Thread of the Day: What's Your Pick -- 2010 Ford Mustang or 2009 Nissan 370Z?

http://wot.motortrend.com/6358856/mi...70z/index.html

With both the new 2010 Ford Mustang and 2009 Nissan 370Z making their debuts at the L.A. Auto Show, there’s bound to be a comparison between the two on the minds of most car fans. While we haven’t had the chance to get our hands on the latest ‘Stang (be sure to check back soon for our test results), we know its basic specifications. And if you didn't get the chance to read our latest 370Z test results, the "everyday sports car" hits 60 mph in 4.7 sec and covers the quarter mile in 13.3 sec at 105.7 mph.

So, for our TOTD by elephantparty, we thought it best to ask our users which they would prefer in their 2009 dream garages.

Granted, there will definitely be more comparable model choices available come 2009, but let’s try and keep the conversation between these two new rides.

Here are the specs:

2010 Ford Mustang
Base Price: TBD
4.0L V-6 210-hp@5300 rpm/ 240lb-ft@3500 rpm

2010 Mustang GT
Base Price: TBD
4.6L V-8 315-hp/325 lb-ft
Est. 0-60 mph: 5.0 sec (based on 2009 Mustang Bullitt)

2009 Nissan 370Z
Base Price: $30,625
3.7L V-6 332-hp@7000 rpm/ 270 lb-ft@5200 rpm
MT Tested 0-60 mph: 4.7 sec

So, what’s your pick?

From everyone here at Motor Trend, Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I'm guessing anything except possibly a base model 370Z is going to cost quite a bit more than a Mustang GT.

Is the 370Z replacing the 350Z, or will they be produced concurrently?

 

The 370 Z is Replacing the 350. It's an All New Z Based Heavily on the 350's Architecture. As with Every Displacement Increase, Nissan makes to a Z, the 370 denotes a 3.7 Liter engine compared to the 350 Z's 3.5 liter engine.

 

Ah, I see.

 

Looks like we'll need the 5.0L 400 HP engine in 2011 to settle this contest decisively.

 

Yes, that's what I would like to see!

I did test drive the 350Z prior to ordering my 08 GT, and I wasn't too impressed. The Z is too small for me, barely enough room for 1 and 1/2 suit cases!

Come on 2011 Mustang with the 5.0 liter V8!

 

The Mustang although the new Z is petty tempting.

 

They ask that like its even a legitimate question

2010

and when the '11 gets here... ohhhhhhh yessss

 

And when the 2012 Mach 1 gets here... gooooodnight Charlie.

 

The edmunds test came in slower. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=136547?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .*

0-60 in 5.1, quarter-mile in 13.4 @104.8.

 

I love how everyone overthere says the technology is better. The racer packages have SRA and they are whipping up on Porsches. The ergonomics on the Z suck. The new interior is at the very least on par with the z and the z is not "way faster" than the new mustang. As far as quality/safety goes ford has the edge. They had to recall the z cars because of faulty electronics in its engines 3 years after it came out. The 4.6L v-8 is very reliable, look at all the crown vic police interceptors and taxis running around with over 200k miles. BTW the mpg on the 350 is 15-17 around town with 20-22 on the highway. Thats what I get on my car right now with a performance tune and average 26 mp on the highway. I can imagine with the 3.7 will be. I think the weight advantage will go to the z but not by much. The hp is within 15 hp so maybe 2 10's quicker in the quarter revving at the top of the range with a high compression motor. Sorry I will take the stang any day.

Roger

 

The 370Z is much nicer looking than the 350Z it replaces, but still not a car I'd ever consider buying. It will easily out handle the 2010 Mustang GT (.97 skidpad) and will stay side by side in a drag race (truly a driver's race as they are so close in acceleration), but it is missing some key components for a guy like me: V8 soundtrack, backseat, built in America by Americans, and character (which, I admit, is very subjective). I can see how it would be a great choice for someone wanting a fast, nimble 2 seater who can't afford a Corvette or Nissan GT-R, though.

 

Just for the record, I think Nissan made the new Z uglier than last year's version. The new taillights are horrible compared to the older versions. Wait....where have I heard that before? Maybe this IS a good comparison! LOL

 

I'm just curious; does anyone know what a stock Mustang GT will do, G-force-wise, on the skidpad? I remember awhile back someone mentioned the Shelby GT500 KR could achieve 1g (as well as the Roush Stage 3). Is this a true benchmark of a car's handling capabilities?

EDIT: I read today in, I believe, Road and Track, that the 2010 Mustang GT will be able to achieve 0.93g's.

 

While I understand that people (including car mags) compare these two cars, it really is like comparing apples to oranges both in the type of car and the type of buyer. Perhaps we should ask how many people would rather have an '87 corolla GTS too? (also a pretty good car in it's day and good at what it was built to do)

 

The 350Z is atually staying around, just the vert version though...

and yeah edmunds clocked it a 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. The 2010 should be equally as quick

 

Especially for this shot.

 

Whoa, haven't seen it from that shot before, looks like it has a big dent running along both sides. Don't really like the headlights either, didn't like them when I first saw the new Maxima either.

 

I'm conflicted here. The new Z looks nice, and the performance numbers are awesome. But as Five Oh Brian said, there's just something magical about that V8 rumble. The Nissan VQ motors emit the best sounds to ever come out of a V6, but it's not quite the same as a V8.

I'm gonna have to see some hard performance numbers on the 2010 Mustang first. I hope MARZ is correct about the lateral g number, because for a live rear axle, 0.93 g's ain't half bad.

 

Every article I've read about the 370z states that the engine sounds good from outside, but very crappy from inside the vehicle. That's the deal breaker for me.