Nissan's 2013 370Z Roadster: It's Everything on Your Want List

By S. R. Morris

2013 370Z Roadster Tour Sport Includes Attention Getting, Powerful Fun

If you’re old enough to remember Nissan’s 240 Z or 280 Z, you may wonder if the 2013 370Z compares to the Zs of yesteryear. Don’t worry. The 2013 Nissan 370Z Roadster Tour Sport is everything you liked about the first Zs but, at the same time, and nothing like that.

The 2013 370Z Roadster is everything you remember about attracting everyone’s attention as you toured town and turned heads, but it’s nothing but powerful fun as you travel highways today. Going topless in a Z Roadster (convertible) has always attracted attention, and zipping through the gears of a 332 HP 3.7L V-6 commands excitement. In a 2013 Z Roadster, you own excitement.

Sports appeal & a sexy silhouette

Sharp sports appeal is not lacking. Top up or top down, the 2013 370Z Roadster has a sporty, sexy silhouette. If your budget prohibits you from straying too far from the 40s, there are not many choices that compare to the 370Z. With a manual transmission, the Touring package starts at around $44,000 and the Sport package comes in at $47,000. Comparatively, a Porsche Boxster begins in the 60s.

Standard features for the 370Z Roadster comes standard with power-operated soft top, automatic xenon headlights, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, a tilt steering wheel wrapped in leather, an eight-way manual driver seat and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Sport package also includes 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded brakes, and front and rear spoilers. The 370Z comes with either six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. The quick-shifting auto transmission takes the Roadster from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The manual can deliver the same zero to 60 in as little as 4.9 seconds. The MPG ratings are nearly identical with the manual or automatic transmissions with 18/25/20 and 18/25/21 respectively.

Go ahead. Make a list.

In previous years, some have complained that the 370Z produces too much vibration at higher rpms and there is excessive road noise. I say, get real! Sitting on more than 300 horses, with only a stiff fabric lid separating you from the wind and weather, is more than science can provide to keep your cabin soundproof. But the reason you got the Roadster is to be able to topless, right?

The looks and feel of Nissan’s 2013 370Z Roadster has a unique personality. You can look around, but I don’t think you’re going to get a better high-performance sports car at an affordable price than this one. Go ahead. Make a list of all the items you want in the ideal sports car and, chances are, the 370Z Roadster Tour Sport meets or exceeds most of the items on your list.

Copyright 2012 by S. R. Morris