Article Comments - 2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 2008 BMW 135i

39 messages, Last post on Oct 04, 2009 at 7:21 AM

You are in the Nissan 350Z/370Z Forum. Your Host is claires

What is this discussion about? Nissan 370Z, BMW 1 Series, Car Comparisons, Coupe

Comparison Test: 2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 2008 BMW 135i - The BMW 135i wasn't napping, though. On its second and fifth braking attempts, the Bavarian repeated silent and controlled stops from 60 mph of 108 feet. The Z-car has an advantage here in tire choice, but we also found that the BMW brake system makes it a little easier to jump on the pedal and still get response that is more linear and easier to modulate. (more)

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#10 of 39 Sport package by neokaitiger Dec 30, 2008 (12:30 am)
I drive an 08' 135i, and I agree with a lot of points in this review...but realize that these cars are extremely different. I remember driving a 350Z back in 06 and I wasn't really a fan. It seemed way too harsh for the amount of performance you actually got out of it. I didn't understand why a car that was meant to be driven on the street had to be so uncomfortable and aggressive. I can imagine the new Z isn't much different, as it is meant to be a sports car. On another note, in the review it says that there is no "sport" package on the 135i. This is false...my car has this as do lots of 135i on the road. They add better seats, M interior parts and stiffer suspension as well as better tires and larger wheels.
#11 of 39 Re: Nice [roadburner] by habitat1 Dec 30, 2008 (8:51 am)
Replying to: roadburner (Dec 29, 2008 8:30 pm) Those were the days..... It's not that I don't appreciate many of the technological and engineering improvements that have come along since, but why the hell did they have to throw out the "passion" and underlying philosophy and fun of a sports car in the process. The Datsun 2000 (1967+ Fairlady) that a buddy of mine had in college was a true sports car. From Wikopedia: The Datsun 2000 was lauded as a bargain sportscar. The main reason for its production was for racing to build the Datsun image. It was raced by John Morton, Paul Newman and others. Its sticker price was lowest in its class, but it won its class in C Production (Mikuni-Solex carburetors) and D-Production (Hitachi-SU carburetors), in SCCA racing on a consistent basis even after production stopped. A well-tuned stock Datsun 2000 was capable of cruising at 120 mph (193 km/h) and capable of making better than 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)and red-lined at exactly 7000 rpm and 140 mph in 4th gear with a 5 speed. It was replaced with the more sedate, stylish, and popular Z series. That college buddy of mine did pretty well for himself and a few years ago, his wife found a nicely restored Datsun 2000 that she bought for him as an anniversary gift. From spring through fall, chances are 80% that you will see him driving it instead of his SL600. And 100% that he will be wearing a bigger smile. Congratulations on having experienced a classic. I should have been so lucky myself.
#12 of 39 Pure bliss by giny1 Jan 08, 2009 (1:08 pm)
Starting around $30,000 the 370Z is the king of the road for looks and personality. If the 1 Series and 370Z were exactly identical in performance and price, for me the obvious choice would be the 370Z because it looks so much better... in person the car is stunning. In fact I have one sitting in front of me right now!
#13 of 39 Re: Warranties mixed up [1speedbike] by giny1 Jan 08, 2009 (1:13 pm)
Replying to: 1speedbike (Dec 16, 2008 10:59 am) Yes Edmunds.com has the WRONG Warranty info on the 370Z. the Bumper to Bumper is 3/36 and Powertrain is 5/60. Even Edmunds makes mistakes... but lets see how long it takes an editor to recognize it and correct their error? I say never - because truth and perception are incompatible in the age we're in. Look at the last election! Replies to this message: claires (Jan 14, 2009 8:26 am)
#14 of 39 Re: 4-seater vs 2-seater? [roadburner] by 01wht35 Jan 09, 2009 (7:22 am)
Replying to: roadburner (Dec 16, 2008 6:27 am) Hello, I am one of the few drivers out there cross-shopping these two cars (if Nissan gives us a rag top). I currently have the pleasure of driving an '06 350Z Roadster and I do NOT like the look of the 370. I think Nissan hired some Acura designers (not a good thing...just look at the new TL). I do not like the new Z's design architecture at all..too Gen Y for me. The 350Z Roadster is a blast to drive and I enjoy the "cult" following of the car. I have had some serious quality issues and Nissan's customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Both cars look great on paper, but I think the 135i soft top will better fit my need for speed. Have fun everyone.
#15 of 39 Re: Warranties mixed up [giny1] by claires HOST Jan 14, 2009 (8:26 am)
Replying to: giny1 (Jan 08, 2009 1:13 pm) The editors have corrected the warranty information -- thanks for the heads-up
#16 of 39 by dat2 Jan 15, 2009 (1:32 pm)
Is it fair to compare a 370z right off the assembly line with a well broken in 1 series?? You could have gotten a 1 series with no miles to make the performance numbers more representative (I would think a well broken in 370z will shave a few tenths off it's accel numbers)
#17 of 39 warranty info-- by dat2 Jan 15, 2009 (5:14 pm)
the warranty info is still messed up, all nissans have a 5/60 powertrain warranty.
#18 of 39 by compliance Feb 05, 2009 (9:20 am)
Wow, they hyperbole is laid on thick in this article. I think I even saw an attempt to call the 370z practical! It all sounds like new model syndrome to me. The luster will fade and everyone will recognize that it really isn't any better than its always been. The VQ will still be rough and moan like a cow, the ride will still be stiff and crude, and it will still be ugly. Give me a 135i or a (used) Cayman any day.
#19 of 39 by graphikzking Feb 05, 2009 (12:58 pm)
Wow.. I can't believe how many people have such strong opinions on cars but yet NEVER driven them. Cross-shopping the 135 and 370 absolutely makes sense. Although the 135 has backseats, all they are good for is a gym bag or a little car seat (good for a kid for 2 yrs max). I DID own a 350z. Although I thought it was a little slow.. I did like the handling etc. There was no abnormal road noise etc. If you compared it to an Evo, Sti, Mustang, Camaro etc. The car handed almost as sharp as the evo/sti and sounded much better and much more compliant than any domestic muscle car. I think Nissan did a TREMENDOUS job of "splitting" the middle of the ride quality, sound etc. I did think the 350z lacked a little power (even though it was rated at 287), and hopefully this extra .2liters and 40hp is felt. The acceleration time on this car could also be attributed to wider tires and not the more hp. My old 350 couldn't hook up off the line and I believe they were 255 rears.. so 275s will add much needed grip. The 135.. I LOVE the hatchback, but the coup is just squished looking. If they brought the hatch, I would definately be interested.. but not at 7k premium over a Z! Replies to this message: gardencar1 (Mar 26, 2009 11:15 pm) ingvar (Apr 14, 2009 7:11 am) gardencar1 (Apr 21, 2009 4:38 pm) and 4 more...