It isn't as hardcore as a Nissan GT-R, but it certainly is very sporty. The Nissan Z-cars have been around for a long time and the 2014 370Z is the latest iteration of a long line of Z-cars that have come and gone.

Last year, Nissan->ke62 updated the 370Z Roadster with new features like daytime running lights, an updated front fascia without compromising on the looks. The coupe has nice high shoulder and confident looks. Chopping off the roof hasn't ruined the handsome exterior of the 370Z either.

For 2014, the Nissan 370Z Roadster employs a 3.7-liter V-6 naturally aspirated engine with 332 horsepower on tap. The engine is capable of churning out 270 pound-feet of torque @ 5200 rpm. For driving enthusiasts, Nissan offers a 6-speed manual gearbox which comes with Nissan's SynchroRev Match system, while a 7-speed automatic with paddle-shift is also on the list.

The 2014 370Z is capable of delivering similar performance as the 2013 model. Combined fuel economy figures released by Nissan confirm that the 2014 model is rated at 20 mpg and 21 mpg for manual and automatic version respectively.

Updated 04/09/2015: Nissan announced prices for the 2016 370Z, which is now on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide unchanged from the previous year. The model is priced from $41,820, and the only update is a new Deep Blue Pearl exterior color.

Continue reading to learn more about the Nissan 370Z Roadster.

2014 - 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 332 @ 7000
  • Torque: 270 @ 5200
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2014 370Z Roadster is a quintessential convertible sports car with a long history of successful and highly cherished Z-cars to boast about. The roadster borrows styling cues from its coupe cousin. But, that having said, the roof of the 370Z Roadster is designed in such a way that, with the roof up, it matches the hard top's breathtaking design. The Roadster gets a folding fabric top which can be retracted with the touch of a button.

The top retracts in just 20 seconds. A wind deflector has been provided to reduce wind turbulence when the roof is in its open position. Nissan call it the Z Body design with short overhangs and a short wheelbase. The flared rear wheel arches and a sloping rear profile is unique to the 370Z. On the 2014 car, new LED daytime running lights have been added to the bumpers on the extreme ends.

In order to keep the weight of the car to a minimum, Nissan engineers have employed an aluminium hood, door panels and trunk lid. The side sills and A-pillars have been reinforced and a rollover hoop added just behind the seats. The new car uses the same boomerang shaped Nissan headlights that are seen on most of the models these days.

The 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster is available in eight exterior colors – Midnight Blue, Magma Red, Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Black Cherry and Pearl White.

Exterior Dimensions (inches)

Wheelbase

100.4

Overall Length

167.2

Overall Width

72.8

Overall Height

52.2


Key Features

- LED daytime running lights

- Cloth power-folding roof with fabric inner liner

- Fixed glass wind deflector

- Additional body reinforcements, including A-pillars and side sills

- HID bi-functional xenon headlights

- 0.33 coefficient of drag (0.34 with Sport Package)

New for 2015

- New 370Z Touring Sport Roadster trim level is added, offering standard Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, SynchroRev Match® (manual transmission only), 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels and Nissan Sport Brakes

- New black-finished 18-inch wheels

Interior

The interior of the 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster is designed around the driver with all the crucial controls at his fingertips. The driver and passenger sit on automatically adjustable seats wrapped in premium fabric. Touring versions get unique leather wrapped seats with integrated heating and cooling functions. The dashboard retains the 2013 look and so does the intrument cluster.

The triple dial instrument pods above the center console are unique to this car. The oval 3-spoke steering wheel is carried over form last year's model and gets baseball-style stitching and large thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved ergonomics. On the manual transmission model the gear lever is wrapped in leather and gets padding such that it can be accurately slotted into the right gear and to provide better grip.

Other interior features on the 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, power windows, power door locks with auto-lock, automatic climate control, 12-volt power outlets, three cup holders and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

A 6CD Bose® audio system with eight speakers and subwoofer, MP3/WMA playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio,Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and aluminum-trimmed pedals are only available on 'Touring' versions. The standard car gets black cloth interior upholstery while the 370Z Roadster Touring come in either grey, black or wine upholstery along with exclusive exterior colors.

Interior (inches)

Head room

38.7

Leg room

42.9

Hip room

54.6

Shoulder room

54.4


Key Features

- 3-bay gauge pods – similar to the original 240Z design

- Tilt steering column with integrated instrument cluster

- Bose® audio system with 6-disc CD changer and 8 speakers (standard on Touring model)

- SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Touring-standard/SiriusXM optional)

- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (Touring-standard)

- Nissan Navigation System

- HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (standard on Touring model)

- Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition

New for 2015

- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System

- USB input on the base 370Z Roadster

- Revised steering feel and suspension tuning

Drivetrain

The 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster is powered by the same 3.7-liter V-6 engine from last year's model. The engine, equipped with variable valve timing generates 332 horsepower @ 7000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque @5200 rpm.

The roadster has been based on a front-engine rear-wheel drive layout- the most sought after. A 6-speed manual gearbox gets Nissan's SynchroRev Match technology which blips the throttle to match the revvs during downshifts. A 7-speed automatic transmission is also on offer for those who prefer indugling in a tension-free, comfortable cruise.

Performance of the 2014 370Z Roadster remains unchanged. The sprint from 0-60 mph is over in 5.5 sec and the car as an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Engine

3.7-liter V-6 DOHC

Layout

Front-mid engine Rear-wheel drive

Horsepower

332 @ 7,000 RPM

Torque

270 @ 5,200 RPM

Transmission

6-speed Manual / 7-speed Auto

Fuel Tank capacity

19 gal

EPA fuel economy (MT/AT)

Combined 20/21 mpg


Suspension and Brakes

The 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster benefits from an advanced 4-wheel independent suspension that makes use of double-wishbones upfront and lightweight forged aluminum arms and a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, along with a hollow construction stabilizer bar. On the rear end a 4-link rear suspension keeps the wheels planted to the tarmac.

The braking system consits of 4-wheel vented disc brake with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The optional Sport Package includes Nissan Sport Brakes with 14.0-inch rotors up front and 13.8-inch rear rotors. 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers provide optimal biting force.

Price

The base price of the 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster with the 7-speed automatic gearbox is $41,470. Touring version with 6-speed manual is priced at $44,170 while the one equipped with the automatic costs $45,470.

Nissan 370Z - Prices

Model

2014 Price

2015 Price

2016 Price

370Z Roadster 7AT

$41,470

$41,820

$41,820

370Z Roadster Touring 6MT

$44,170

$45,270

$45,270

370Z Roadster Touring 7AT

$45,470

$46,570

$46,570

370Z Roadster Touring Sport 6MT

N/A

$48,100

$48,100

370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7AT

N/A

$49,400

$49,400


Competition

BMW Z4

The way a car looks is down personal preference. I like the way the Z4's design has evolved. It looks and feels more premium compared to the Nissan 370Z. The interior too is well appointed. The iDrive infotainment system is joy to use as well. A big difference between the BMW and the 370Z is its top. The BMW Z4 gets a neat metal folding hard top while the Nisan has to make do with a fabric roof instead.

Under the sculpted bonnet, the BMW packs 335 horsepower from its inline-6 cylinder engine. Drive of course goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter I-6 engine may produce less horsepower compared to the Nissan, but it is light and the 8-cog transmission helps to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The base BMW Z4 sDrive28i costs $48,950 and uses a 240 horsepower engine which can do 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

Read our BMW Z4 review here.

Audi TT Roadster

The base price of the 2014 Audi TT Roadster is $42,900 and is available with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine. The engine is good to develop 211 horsepower/ 258 pound-feet and can propel the TT from standstill to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Like the Nissan, the Audi TT is also fitted with a folding fabric roof.

That having said, the Audi TT Roadster has a feminine character which makes it good for ladies to drive around on a bright Sunday morning.

Read our Audi TT Roadster review here.

Conclusion

When you compare the 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster with its German rivals, you realize the extent by which the Nissan undercuts the BMW and Audi. So, if you want to have fun for a tenner in a fast, rear-wheel drive roadster, the Nissan seems like a wise choice. But, if you are serious about driving performance and handling, I think you are better off buying a BMW Z4 instead.

Updated History

Updated 08/08/2014: Nissan announced a series of updates and prices for the 2015 370Z Roadster. For 2015 the lineup received a new 370Z Touring Sport Roadster trim level, plus revised steering feel and suspension tuning on all models. Prices will range from $41,820 for the base model and will go up to $49,400 for the new 370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7AT version.