Looking for experienced input on purchase of new Z (Performance v NISMO)

[Mr. Mac]

Incase anyone was wondering, Zs and wild deer do not mix very well. Deer were apparently fine after the encounter, but Z’s unfortunately totaled. [insert *sad trombone* sound]

So the silver lining in this development is that I’ll be moving to manual Z when the ‘27s land here in the states. Don’t get me wrong, the NISMO AT (my first auto sports car ever) has been a blast getting to know and drive with paddles, discovered distinct advantages over manual in the process, and have zero complaints about it, but now find myself itching to get back to my roots with an MT while my body can still handle it.

I know the NISMO MT is coming soon, and that’s probably the natural candidate having already had the NISMO AT, but starting to wonder if maybe going with a ’27 Performance MT might actually be a better option for me considering how I actually drive/don’t drive. The main reason I’m thinking this is I don’t ever do any track driving, and never will either. Daily driving; Nah, good weather weekends only. Spirited driving out in the country twisties; Absolutely, it’s therapy. Long roadtrips with gal; Yep, we love ‘em.

When I went to purchase a new Z back in ’24 I was able to test drive both the Performance and the NISMO back-to back and was shocked how much better the NISMO handled overall. That’s what ultimately made me decide NISMO over Performance. The out-of-the-box aesthetics of the NISMO were also a draw as it needs nothing other than tasteful lowering and wheel/fender flushing to look perfect IMO. Was brand new to the Z platform at the time of purchase, so was clueless on what mods made big differences in performance and handling, which ones are waste of time/money, who all the players are in the aftermarket world, etc. Since then, partially with the help of this forum (thank you), I’ve been learning a bit as I’ve gone along watching other owners do all kinds of different builds with their Zs. Bone stock my NISMO was good, but wound up doing heat exchanger, intakes, lower downpipes, full exhaust kit, lowering springs and a tune on my NISMO AT and all that had it bumped up and dialed in perfect for me, albeit a little bit rough on bumpy roads, which it was when stock too. Would love for it to be just a little more plush riding while still able to handle well during spirited non-track drives.

Anyway, that all brings me to the reason for this post, which is I’m looking for opinions and advice from others here who are more knowledgable than I am in this area and who may have juggled this same sorta decision before. From what I’ve gathered so far is plenty seem to have minimized or even closed the performance/handling gap between Performance and NISMO models with certain mods. Is my observation correct on that? If so, what exactly are all the key mods in achieving NISMO-like performance/handling on a Performance model, AND that are particularly relevant to someone like me who does not track, but does do very spirited driving? Or does the cost delta of achieving this goal start becoming a wash when comparing the cost of building up a Performance to the level described here to the near-turnkey cost of a NISMO? Lastly, am I by chance missing anything else in all this that should also be considered?

Thanks in advance for any insight offered on this. Cheers.

 

[chadhunley]

Did insurance officially total it? Doesn't look that bad. Sorry to hear this man! I know you put some work in this car. Glad you're ok.

 

[Mr. Mac]

Did insurance officially total it? Doesn't look that bad. Sorry to hear this man! I know you put some work in this car. Glad you're ok.

Thanks. And yep, no injuries (thankfully). Officially totaled.

You're right though, at first glance it doesn't look that bad, but it is. What you don't see in these photos is just how deep that drop off ditch on side of road is, or the row of huge boulders hiding underneath all those dead leaves. They completely ripped off the entire front/right wheel, brakes, arms, rods, suspension, etc., and destroyed the entire underside from front to rear and front end. If you look closely at the roof you can also see where the force buckled it too. If all those boulders weren't there it would've been fairly minor damage and fixable.

Anyway, sucks, yes, but next build will be even better. Just need to figure out which direction to go (hence the OP).

 

[voodoo_chuck]

I also drove the nismo and performance back to back and felt like the suspension on the nismo was too stiff for daily road driving. Ended up going with the performance and honestly do not miss the extra power. Manual transmission was also a non- negotiable for me.
I also like the heated and auto adjustable seats in the performance better than the racing seats in the nismo.

 

[ZillaZ]

To me it is basically do you want a daily driver sports car with a few more creature comforts and a softer ride or a weekend street worrior and go to the track sometimes kind of sports car?

 

[alienpoker]

I am saddened to see such a nice Z in a ditch. I can’t tell if the airbags went off, but the hood poppers deployed. I noticed the buckled roof, as well as the broken sideview mirror. Which means it took quite a hit. Impressive.

You (& the deer) are thankfully ok, which is the only thing that matters.

The choice of a new Z comes down to:
You want a 6mt, sounds like you do. Also maybe the 9AT isn’t engaging enough) no pun intended
You still want to mod the new Z, sounds like you do & that you’ve learned a lot
You’d like a more comfortable daily ride, but want to have decent handling

Suspension tweaks (beefier sway bars, lowering springs, different adj. control arms etc) will get you the right handling.
Everything related to performance you did on the Nismo you add: (engine & exhaust Nismo intakes, heat exchanger, downpipes, tune)

It’s well established you can get to (or exceed) Nismo HP and torque without too much else. If you really want to go wild, just an e85 flex fuel kit- or adding AMS port injection ! Note it’s going to add up to more than the 1.7K of the link. You still need injectors, fuel lines & a controller as well as a speed shop to install and tune it after. I’m sure 450++ hp won’t be hard to hit on stock internals & turbos.

So what do you lose?

• Recaro style seats which as you know are really nice (but you can have heated seats, which are electric )
• A body kit But - make it a sleeper. That means a cop won’t u-turn to try and creep up you. Already been there w/ a Nismo. No tickets yet. Luckily.
• Expensive Insurance The Z perf model is likely costs less. Idk about your accident & if you get ’dinged’ or a free accident… no one hurt & not your fault ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
• A harsh ride on rough roads. Nismos are unreal on the track & smooth-as-glass hiways. You know… it might have been improved on the newest Nismos.
• A track oriented missle. 2-piece rotors more like the GTR on the new Nismos.

There’s probably more I can’t remember rn. Color choices are different?

Do I personally regret buying a Nismo?
Not that into modding anymore
Wanted something nice “out of the box”
The AT is good enuf & not missing a clutch.
So No.

But I appreciate you could take a ‘26 Perf Z and do a lot with it for the difference in price.
Didn’t mean to write a novel. You can see where this is going. I see no reason to wait for the Nismo 6mt. Unless you want the badge. There’s nothing you can’t improve on a Perf. 6MT using the difference in money. Maybe a bit more as budget permits.

Hope this helps you make a decision.

 

[alienpoker]

I also drove the nismo and performance back to back and felt like the suspension on the nismo was too stiff for daily road driving. Ended up going with the performance and honestly do not miss the extra power. Manual transmission was also a non- negotiable for me.
I also like the heated and auto adjustable seats in the performance better than the racing seats in the nismo.

He can get the 6mt Nismo, if willing to wait. It will have larger struts & they modified to feel nicer off-track. But still stiff. Seats- I totally agree with you. Those are missing as an option on the Nismo. Anyone want to swap for Nismo seats?

 

[FSUZ33]

You could field all kinds of opinions and thousands of reasons to do one over the other. At the end of the day, you could buy a Perf and have that tingle wishing you had decided on the NISMO. At a glance, call it equal chance of buying a NISMO and get the tingle wishing you had gone Perf.

For me, the NISMO was the goal. If there had been the exact NISMO sitting next to it with a manual I'd have gone manual. But that wasn't the case, and AT-only wasn't a dealbreaker, so NO REGERTS!

If I had to make the decision today I know what I'd do. I wanted, and purchased, the NISMO for multiple reasons. One, because there would be less that I'd feel the need to change or upgrade. And here I sit 10 months later with a set of coilovers on the way and hands that smell like antisieze because I just dismantled and antisiezed a new set of FUCAs. Probably should check my face in the mirror. That crap gets EVERYWHERE!
Anyway, full-disclosure, I have no opinion for you. Solely because I'd hate to suggest something that may not be what you ultimately want.

I'm interested to hear others' opinions and hope you include this place in your journey and ultimate decision.
I CAN say...that I AM confident...that you will be very happy with either!!!

 

[FSUZ33]

He can get the 6mt Nismo, if willing to wait. It will have larger struts & they modified to feel nicer off-track. But still stiff. Seats- I totally agree with you. Those are missing as an option on the Nismo. Anyone want to swap for Nismo seats?

Mu '03 Track seats were manual, and I didn't have a problem. I never liked or use seat heaters in my '05 Touring, or my wife's current Enclave. Because...you know...Swamp Ass. I liked the quick adjustability of the auto seats when driving, but moving the seats forward and tilting them to get in the glove box or to vacuum behind the seats felt like watching paint dry.

Guy I work with just got a '26 GMC AT4X and the thing's got like built-in programmable full-body shiatsu massage in the seats. Not sure how much I'd use it, but it's pretty cool. And a pretty sophisticated Multimatic suspension system, which is even cooler.

 

[Drago86]

Going MT performance and modding what you want is what I am doing and no regrets.

The stock performance suspension and tires need changed out for enjoyment and saftey, even for back roads imho.

I recently installed hipermax s and while the ride is firmer ,I wouldn't say it's harsh at all, and I bet they would be pretty cushy with the dampening turned full soft. Any adjustable coilovers that don't have crazy spring rates(like the hipermax R's) should let you have the best of both worlds.

Sorry about your crash but glad there is a silver lining.

 

[HuskeRZ34]

I’m also in camp manual performance and making it your own! The NISMO will probably be great but for the cost difference you can make a performance better. Also Bambi is a dick!

 

[Xylander]

I'm going to side with @FSUZ33 on this one, and not just because we live in the same city. Ultimately it's your choice... but I'll toss some logic your way that may help.

First, recognize that yes... the Nismo is a track rat's wet dream come true. There's always room for improvement (in this case, TIRES... DUNLOPS SUCCCCCK), but the base Nismo is at home on the track straight out of the box. If you're never going to do that... eh. Kinda sounds like ordering a banana split without any bananas... but whatever

Yes, a Performance CAN be modified to meet or exceed the Nismo. Two big reasons why this is usually a negative though:

1. Butt dyno is rarely an accurate indicator of performance. I've met lots of people who spent $600 on a CAI and got 10 negative horsepower due to MAF sensor readings changes who swore they picked up 40hp. Monkeying with suspension components produces equal beliefs. It's more rigid, must mean it handles better. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. The truth is, most people don't really know and never push the car to the point to find out. So, take claims like these with much skepticism. I'm not claiming anyone here is this way, but I've been in the car game a long time. If I had a dollar for every Mustang GT owner that said XYZ mods = faster than a GT500, I'd own 4 solid gold toilets. Every fandom has this same story. Lower trim can be faster than the higher trim. In theory, that's actually true. It's just usually not cheaper unless corners are cut and compromises are made. Oh, and note how these folks never factor in the 80 hours of self labor you have to put in to make the numbers semi look favorable.
2. The Nismo has a warranty. If you mod out a Performance to the Nismo or NIsmo+ standard, your warranty = void.

You know what the Nismo rides like. The Performance will feel like riding in a cloud. Thus, there is one very important test you should do to help you make your decision:

Get out on the road, let 'er rip to 60. SMASH THE BRAKE. You either think it's OK, or you throw up a little in your mouth and want out of the car. If you think it's OK, buy the Performance because if you can put up with that, you don't really need what the Nismo offers. That's my advice anyway

 

[FSUZ33]

Curious as to what was damaged/broken on the car.
Clearly some aero ripped from underneath.
Hood poppers deployed. Any airbags?
Right front fender damage, but front end and hood seem OK in the pics.
Did you hit deer or anything, or was the damage from the ditch?
Looks like you could pull it out and drive it home, other than the hood in the way.

Edit: It looks like the roof is dented, so I assume there's a lot more going on than a quick look and 2 pics can convey.

 

[David Montgomery]

I'm going to side with @FSUZ33 on this one, and not just because we live in the same city. Ultimately it's your choice... but I'll toss some logic your way that may help.

First, recognize that yes... the Nismo is a track rat's wet dream come true. There's always room for improvement (in this case, TIRES... DUNLOPS SUCCCCCK), but the base Nismo is at home on the track straight out of the box. If you're never going to do that... eh. Kinda sounds like ordering a banana split without any bananas... but whatever

Yes, a Performance CAN be modified to meet or exceed the Nismo. Two big reasons why this is usually a negative though:

1. Butt dyno is rarely an accurate indicator of performance. I've met lots of people who spent $600 on a CAI and got 10 negative horsepower due to MAF sensor readings changes who swore they picked up 40hp. Monkeying with suspension components produces equal beliefs. It's more rigid, must mean it handles better. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. The truth is, most people don't really know and never push the car to the point to find out. So, take claims like these with much skepticism. I'm not claiming anyone here is this way, but I've been in the car game a long time. If I had a dollar for every Mustang GT owner that said XYZ mods = faster than a GT500, I'd own 4 solid gold toilets. Every fandom has this same story. Lower trim can be faster than the higher trim. In theory, that's actually true. It's just usually not cheaper unless corners are cut and compromises are made. Oh, and note how these folks never factor in the 80 hours of self labor you have to put in to make the numbers semi look favorable.
2. The Nismo has a warranty. If you mod out a Performance to the Nismo or NIsmo+ standard, your warranty = void.

You know what the Nismo rides like. The Performance will feel like riding in a cloud. Thus, there is one very important test you should do to help you make your decision:

Get out on the road, let 'er rip to 60. SMASH THE BRAKE. You either think it's OK, or you throw up a little in your mouth and want out of the car. If you think it's OK, buy the Performance because if you can put up with that, you don't really need what the Nismo offers. That's my advice anyway

Some of us old farts are perfectly fine with the Perf. Honestly, my back would never be able to take the Nismo suspension pounding on some of these New Hampshire country roads. I absolutely would be thrilled with a Nismo, but I'm not sure I would ever push it to its potential. Moral of my story is.. You do you!

 

[Xylander]

Some of us old farts are perfectly fine with the Perf. Honestly, my back would never be able to take the Nismo suspension pounding on some of these New Hampshire country roads. I absolutely would be thrilled with a Nismo, but I'm not sure I would ever push it to its potential. Moral of my story is.. You do you!

I agree entirely. It's just that it's not really fair to call the Nismo Z a "track focused" car. It is a track car. It's not a road car like a Mustang that does pretty good on track. It's a track car that's fully capable of driving itself to and from the track, and it rides like one. It's not as bad as something like a Ferrari 488 Pista, but it's why I oft refer to the Nismo as a baby Ferrari. They have very similar characteristics of racecar-ness... only the 488 is much further down the road of insufferable discomfort.

I had to drive one from N. AL to NW FL once... ugh. Not a fan.