I was SHOCKED when Nissan said that all Z trims would get 400hp. They had been offering a 4 banger, 300 hp VR and 400 hp VR in the Infiniti Q models. I was expecting Nissan to offer the low output VR on the Sport Z, but I'm grateful they didn't, now there's not much penalty for getting the lowest trim Z.
They have small differences, but other than the engine they’re virtually the same car. The only critical spec where the Z34 NISMO tops the RZ34 NISMO is weight, where i think the Z is carrying something like 125 more lbs around.
I know what the dyno is saying and what is published and you're correct about it, but it just doesn't show up in the real world. For example, the 5-60 times for the VR30 cars are 5.3ish, and for the VQ37, 5.6ish. C&D numbers, manual 6 speeds. So all that hoopla about low end power delivery results in a rounding error pretty much in the real world, but what isnt a rounding error is 7500rpm engine that screams to redline. If you're going to be old, you gotta have style! And a wheezing TT engine that falls on its face 1500rpm before redline aint style. Since the performance is a rounding error, I'd much prefer a screaming NA motor that feels like it belongs in a sports car, vs what feels like a truck engine that people short shift for better acceleration, and since the chassis is the same, for me, 370 is peak.
Nissan is in trouble financially and has been for some time. Plopping the VR30 in literslly every vehicle they can is a cost saver. Hence why they equip all of them with the same anemic turbos for the 400hp models. An example of a company not doing this is Honda and the K series. They tailor it for each vehicle (CTR, RDX, Accord) its in via engine and turbo design alteration. As you noted, the Zs chassis isnt exactly one that loves abundant low end torque to deal with planting. They dont care about details though, just raid the parts bin and call it character. Total Chrysler move. I really love how the new Zs look, really really do. They even smell the same as the old Zs inside. Total heartstrings tug, but a complicated TT engine with no soul that isn't even faster notably than the amazing engine it replaced just feels bad.
