2025 Nissan Z vs 1980's 300ZX

[MRSocal]

Hello,
Considering buying a Z, I finally drove a 2025 performance automatic today. I was impressed by the raw power in acceleration but I was surprised by how loud the engine sounded and how aggressive and rough the acceleration was. The ride was fun but very different from the smooth power and quiet acceleration of the 300ZX.
Can you please explain why and how this may affect the driving experience especially on a long trip.
Thank you
M

 

[alienpoker]

The 2025 Nissan Z Performance uses Active Sound Enhancement (ASE), which ‘enhances’ the natural engine sounds and plays them through the car's speakers. So what you heard isn’t just the engine, some of the burble and (for me) excruciating bass flutter is coming from the Bose audio. And switch off the infotainment doesn’t cancel it. It’s not user configurable in any menus. Even the ‘hidden’ one from what I’ve found so far. After you buy the car, the dealer can switch it off, if you find the right (knowledgeable) service tech who knows the ‘Consult III’ diagnostics.
BTW- If the sounds in the cabin concern you, I wouldn’t even consider the Nismo. The drone is pretty bad at highway speeds. I’m considering switching off ASE and *adding* sound deadening mats to the rear floors & sides to drop the sound levels from the ‘Nismo tuned exhaust’. I have taken off the rear plastic and foam in the trunk, and had a look. Seems easy to do… others have shown their changes on the forum already.

 

[MRSocal]

That makes sense.. Thank you for the information. I drove the Nismo as well as the Performance. The Nismo had a harsh ride because of the tuned suspension but the Nismo was not as loud as the Performance when I was driving it on surface streets. It seems that it has more sound deadening than the Performance.
I'll drive the Performance again and consult with a Nissan master tech that I know.
Thanks again.

 

[alienpoker]

That makes sense.. Thank you for the information. I drove the Nismo as well as the Performance. The Nismo had a harsh ride because of the tuned suspension but the Nismo was not as loud as the Performance when I was driving it on surface streets. It seems that it has more sound deadening than the Performance.
I'll drive the Performance again and consult with a Nissan master tech that I know.
Thanks again.

Interesting that the Nismo was quieter. Was the Performance a 6sp MT? That could explain it. If your Master Tech is really cool, they can let you test drive the same loop with ASE turned off & then back on (default). It takes them like 10mins to change in diags. BTW- make sure they leave ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) ON for both tests. They are on the same menu. ANC is the ‘good’ one, it cancels road noise so the cabin is quieter like headphones can. Good luck finding the Z that fits you. I ended up with the Nismo, but I was very tempted by the Performance MT Heritage in Orange. I guess I just like the 240Z / 300ZX vibe it exudes. Never seen one in the streets, although I have seen other Zs.