After years of enjoying my 2017 370Z Sport 6-speed manual, complete with a NISMO bumper conversion, I decided it was time for an upgrade. This weekend, I traded it in for the highly anticipated 2024 Nissan Z. Opting for the Sport trim with an automatic transmission, I embarked on the hunt, quickly realizing these models are quite elusive. Finding only two within a 500-mile radius in Florida, and facing dealer markups (one even scoffed at my MSRP offer), I ended up paying around $2,000 over sticker. While a bit more than I hoped, it still landed significantly below the Performance trim, making it a deal I could be content with. Here are my initial impressions and observations on the 2024 Nissan Z Sport.
One of the most surprising aspects of the purchase experience was the dealership’s willingness to let me test drive the 2024 Nissan Z. Without even requesting, they handed me the keys and, incredibly, allowed me to take it out alone. Given the online chatter about dealers restricting test drives, this was a welcome shock. It seems a lot depends on the salesperson and the perceived seriousness of the potential buyer.
The 2024 Nissan Z is undeniably striking in person. Concerns about the grille instantly vanished; the black color of my model cleverly minimizes its visual impact. However, the rear of the 2024 Nissan Z is where it truly captivates. It exudes a sophisticated and timeless appeal.
Stepping into the 2024 Nissan Z, the old, truck-like feel of the 370Z is completely absent. This car feels remarkably modern and incredibly smooth. The refinement is immediately noticeable, setting it apart from its predecessor.
From the driver’s seat, the ergonomics and overall view are surprisingly familiar to the 370Z. Settling in felt natural and intuitive, a comfortable transition for someone accustomed to the previous generation.
Performance-wise, the 2024 Nissan Z is undeniably quick. Moving from a manual 370Z to the automatic 2024 Nissan Z, some of the changed sensations might stem from the transmission difference. However, the key distinction compared to the 370Z is the consistent speed at all ranges. While the 370Z felt truly rapid mainly in first and second gear, the 2024 Nissan Z delivers brisk acceleration across the board. Even during the break-in period where I’m driving conservatively, the speed accumulates rapidly and almost stealthily.
The base brakes on the 2024 Nissan Z Sport offer impressive stopping power. Compared to my aging 370Z with original pads and rotors nearing replacement, the 2024 Nissan Z brakes feel significantly improved. For now, I don’t find myself missing the Akebono brakes from my previous car.
Unfortunately, the speaker system and bass in the Sport trim are a letdown. It’s disappointing that the sound system in the 2024 Nissan Z Sport is noticeably inferior to the Bose system in the 370Z. For audiophiles, upgrading to the Performance trim might be necessary to get a satisfying audio experience.
The steering wheel’s aluminum-look trim at the 6 o’clock position is another minor disappointment. While it appears metallic, it’s clearly plastic and doesn’t feel premium to the touch. A minor detail, but noticeable.
Another feature distinction between trims is Apple CarPlay. The 2024 Nissan Z Sport only offers WIRED Apple CarPlay. Wireless CarPlay is exclusively available in the Performance trim.
Inside the cockpit, there’s a sense of reduced side-to-side legroom. It feels slightly tighter than the 370Z. This isn’t necessarily negative, just an observation about the altered interior dimensions.
On a positive note, the seats in the 2024 Nissan Z Sport are excellent. The bolsters are more pronounced than in my 370Z, providing enhanced support, and the cloth material feels high quality and comfortable for everyday driving.
The digital dash in the 2024 Nissan Z is a significant upgrade. It allows for customization with three different gauge cluster designs. The Sport-specific design is the most appealing and functional. While the other two options feel less useful, it would have been beneficial to have color theme options for the Sport gauge, beyond the blue and Nismo red, to further personalize the display.
Overall, my initial experience with the 2024 Nissan Z Sport has been overwhelmingly positive. It successfully blends modern upgrades with the familiar spirit of the Z lineage. While there are minor trade-offs in the Sport trim compared to the Performance, particularly with the sound system and Apple CarPlay, the core driving experience and updated design make the 2024 Nissan Z a worthy successor and a thrilling sports car in its own right.
