Nissan 370Z vs Audi TTS: 2009 twin test review

When it comes to building classy coupés, few firms can match Nissan’s know-how. The Japanese company began its sporting legacy in 1969 with the legendary Datsun 240Z, which mixed head-turning looks, muscular performance and raw driving thrills. Forty years on, it’s following the same formula with the all-new 370Z.

Lighter, more compact and faster than its predecessor, the 350Z, the newcomer is set to deliver even greater straight-line pace and involving driving dynamics. However, it hasn’t abandoned the Z-car’s reputation for value in the class.

Prices start at £26,900, while our extremely well equipped GT Pack model will set you back £30,200. For the money you get a punchy 326bhp-litre V6 engine, traditional rear-wheel-drive chassis and arresting style.

However, the Nissan faces some stiff competition if it wants to become class champ. The rakish Audi TT is the benchmark here, having just been crowned Best Coupé in our annual New Car Awards for the third year in a row. With its graceful lines, beautifully crafted build quality and surprisingly practical cabin, the model has won legions of fans since the introduction of the second- generation model in 2006.

In racy TTS trim, the stylish German takes a different approach to its Japanese rival. With a small-capacity turbo four-cylinder engine and four-wheel-drive transmission, the Audi is the hi-tech choice.

So, which model will win this battle of brains versus brawn?
 

Verdict

This test highlights what different characters these cars have. The Nissan assaults its owner with a brash and brutish personality, while the Audi is a smooth and sophisticated performer. But which approach makes for a better coupé?

The 370Z appeals to the heart over the head, and is let down by its stiff suspension, coarse engine, poor practicality and heavy controls. While it’s fun in the right conditions, it’s a blunt instrument – and a step back from the 350Z.

By comparison, the classy and composed TTS feels incredibly precise. The superb turbo engine and quattro transmission mean it’s faster and inspires more confidence than the Nissan. And what it lacks in driver involvement it makes up for with its beautiful finish and reasonably versatile cabin, while lower running costs will offset its higher price. As a stylish all-rounder, the Audi continues to set the benchmark.

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1st: Audi TTS
Although the TTS isn’t as raw as the racy new 370Z, as a daily driver it’s a much more appealing proposition. Fast, stylish, practical and with a rock-solid image, the Audi still leads the way in the coupé sector.

2nd: Nissan 370Z
The Nissan can be entertaining and exciting, but most of the time its gruff, unsophisticated personality becomes tiring. There’s no denying it represents excellent value for money, yet this isn’t enough to claim victory here.

Nissan 370Z

On paper, the Nissan 370Z has all the right ingredients for sports car greatness: a 326bhp V6 engine, sharp rear-wheel-drive chassis and jaw-dropping styling. Using the same template as the successful 350Z it replaces, the newcomer ditches sophistication and refinement in the pursuit of driving thrills. It’s a hairy-chested machine that can easily trace its roots back to the legendary 1969 240Z, especially in terms of looks.

There’s a long bonnet that features a large power bulge, a squat rear end, short overhangs and shallow side windows. It’s a little brutish compared to the TTS, but there’s no doubt the Nissan has plenty of presence.

Inside, the layout and design of the cabin are similar to the 350Z. There’s a high transmission tunnel, the main instruments are stacked in a pod in front of the driver, while the cowled auxiliary dials sit on top of the dash. Equipment in our GT Pack test car is generous, with standard leather trim, electric heated seats, dual-zone climate control, CD changer and keyless start.

However, there are flaws. Some of the plastics look and feel cheap, the three-spoke steering wheel is adjustable for rake only and rear visibility is poor, as a result of the small rear quarter-light windows. There’s also limited luggage space, with the shallow boot able to swallow only 235 litres, which is 55 litres less than the Audi.

Even more disappointing is the Nissan’s display at the test track. It’s dominant from 0-60mph – taking only 5.7 seconds – but can’t match the scorching in-gear pace of the TTS. Worse still, the 370Z’s 3.7-litre V6 sounds harsh and strained when extended, while its six-speed manual gearbox suffers from a clunky, cumbersome shift action.

Point the car’s long nose into a corner, and you’ll find the heavy steering has decent feedback, while on smooth surfaces there’s plenty of grip and very little body roll. But on bumpy back lanes the Nissan’s composure soon crumbles, as the stiff suspension struggles to keep the Z’s hefty 1,496kg kerbweight under control.

Experienced drivers will relish the muscle car chassis dynamics of the Nissan, yet it doesn’t inspire the same unshakable confidence as the all-wheel-drive Audi.

The 370Z also lacks long-distance cruising credentials, because its heavy controls and high levels of road noise leave you feeling tired after a stint on the motorway.

It’s not all bad news for the Nissan, though. There’s no denying it has bags of character, and it’s good value too – at £30,200, it’s £3,225 cheaper than the TT. For many buyers, the car’s eye-catching styling, price and old-school charms will be enough to look past its shortcomings. But has it done enough to topple our coupé champ?

In detail
* Price: £30,200
* Engine: 3.7-litre V6, 326bhp
* 0-60mph: 5.7 seconds
* 30-50mph in 3rd: 3.4 seconds
* Claimed CO2: 249g/km
 

Audi TTS

If the Nissan wants to net class honours, this is the car it has to beat. The Audi TT is an Auto Express favourite, and when it was crowned Best Coupé at our recent New Car Awards, it was for the third year in succession.

With its sleek looks, beautiful build and engaging driving dynamics, the Audi delivers a truly polished package. But this excellence comes at a cost. The TTS we test here is £33,425, while its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivers 268bhp – that’s 58bhp less than the cheaper 370Z.

It can’t match its Japanese rival for visual impact, either. The success of the Audi means its rakish shape is a familiar sight on UK roads, while the only clues to the performance potential of the S model are the quad exhaust pipes, brushed silver mirrors and an extremely subtle bodykit.

On the other hand, the eye-catchingly bright yellow finish of our test car is unique to the TTS, and is recommended for buyers who want to turn heads – even though you’ll have to pay another £490 for the extra attention of passers by. As you’d expect of an Audi, the TT plays its trump card when you climb inside. You’re confronted by a solidly built cabin that’s packed with quality materials. Neat details include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, chunky gearlever,  metal-ringed air vents and clear dials. And with multiple seat and steering adjustment, drivers will have little trouble getting comfortable. The TTS also has its rival beaten for practicality, thanks to a pair of rear chairs that will, just, accommodate adults for short journeys.

Better still, its deep boot will swallow 290 litres of luggage. Fold the rear bench, and capacity grows to a healthy 700 litres.

While the refined Audi doesn’t have the aural drama of the Nissan, it’s certainly not short of pace. With 350Nm of torque available from only 2,500rpm, the smooth-spinning turbocharged powerplant delivers blistering in-gear performance. At the test track, it sprinted from 30-50mph in third gear in only 2.6 seconds – that’s eight-tenths faster than the 370Z.

Standard Magnetic Ride adaptive damping and a grippy quattro four-wheel-drive system help the TTS serve up an excellent blend of ride and handling. The steering has decent feel, the gearshift has a slick, mechanical action and the brakes provide strong stopping power.

It’s not as boisterous as the Nissan, but on an unfamiliar back road the surefooted TTS is the quicker car. Its more compact dimensions combine with the all-weather traction of the 4WD to inspire confidence.

Only the price is likely to dampen your enthusiasm for the Audi. The standard car costs £33,425, which is a £3,225 premium over the Nissan. Start adding options such as sat-nav, electric seats and cruise control, and your wallet will take an even bigger hit.

Yet the TTS is still an extremely desirable machine. The 370Z will have its work cut out if wants to secure victory here.

In detail
* Price: £33,425
* Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 268bhp
* 0-60mph: 6.4 seconds
* 30-50mph in 3rd: 2.6 seconds
* Claimed CO2: 191g/km