2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster Performance Review
Performance - What the Auto Press Says
Most auto reviewers agree that the 2008 350Z Roadster offers a sporty, yet practical, ride. "Nissan has really found a happy balance between a sporting feel and on-the-road comfort," says the Orlando Sentinel.
Acceleration and Power
The 350Z Roadster is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Edmunds writes: "The V6 is quite docile, though, and opening it up a bit produces an enjoyable and throaty growl. Power delivery is linear and athletic, and although the engine is full of vigor at any rpm, it's particularly entertaining at higher revs." Kelley Blue Book adds, "The engine is a model of smoothness, response, power and operating efficiency."
Standard on all trim levels is Nissan's Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), which optimizes engine performance and fuel economy by gauging intake flow and rpm and adjusting valve breathe accordingly. "The car is fast, agile and great fun, with impressive torque across a wide band of engine speeds, accompanied by a lusty exhaust growl," says the New York Times. Forbes adds, "It lacks the sheer muscle and bragging rights of a V8, but this engine is still able to take the car to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds." According to Cars.com, that's "very fast for this segment."
The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2008 350Z Roadster's fuel economy at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway (manual) and 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway (automatic). Forbes calls this "reasonably good." MSN reports similar ratings, and states that its "fuel economy isn't bad for a high-performance sports car." Nissan recommends that only premium fuel be used.
While all trim levels come equipped with a standard six-speed close-ration manual transmission, a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching is an available option. According to Kelley Blue Book, "With the six-speed manual, and a professional driver behind the wheel, the car is almost a half-second quicker to 60 miles per hour than if equipped with the automatic." While the Orlando Sentinel describes the six-speed manual transmission as "a slick, smooth unit," MSN complains: "The short-throw manual gearbox works OK, although it calls for some muscle because it's rather stiff. Also, it's hard to slip the car into reverse gear." Edmunds agrees, describing the shifter as "heavy through the gates." MSN recommends that city drivers opt for the automatic transmission, as the "clutch has a long, hard throw and nonlinear action that can cause jerky starts."
Handling and Braking
Unlike other convertibles that lose road composure when turned from a whole-bodied coupe to a convertible, the 350Z Roadster maintains its feeling of stability. "The stunning part is how well the reinforcements dampen the shake and shimmy that's common even in well-braced convertibles," says USA Today. "The car feels so taut, assured and crisp that it's easy to forget what a magnificent accomplishment that is for a car with a cloth top." According to Kelley Blue Book, "Structural bracing that keeps the Roadster's body rigid also adds a bit more weight, but not enough to hinder the car's handling or acceleration by an amount most people would notice."
Even so, the 350Z Roadster isn't without its faults. A frequent complaint voiced by auto writers is a lack of visibility. "One must be careful parking the 350Z because it's impossible to see where the front of the car ends from the driver's seat," says MSN. "The extremely low front end thus can easily be damaged by concrete parking spot barriers found at convenient stores, shopping centers and other such places."
The 350Z Roadster features a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering that leaves reviewers mildly satisfied. "The steering is a bit coarse in feel, but otherwise it's quick and well weighted," says Edmunds. MSN, however, says it feels "heavy, but precise and communicative." Consumer Guide agrees on its precision, but adds that "some testers want more road feel."
To enhance ride quality, the 350Z Roadster features a three-link aluminum-alloy suspension in the front and four-link aluminum-alloy suspension with aluminum-alloy subframe in the rear. Front and rear stabilizer bars, as well as a front strut bar and ripple-control shock absorbers, come standard. According to MSN, "The firm, all-independent suspension provides excellent handling, although it's happiest on smooth roads; wavy pavement causes a jittery ride." Cars.com, however, says that "the resulting jolt through the seats is acceptable."
Most auto writers seem impressed by the roadster's braking. "Brake performance and feel inspire confidence," says Consumer Guide. With such a long list of brake-related technology, it's no surprise. While the Enthusiast and Touring trims feature power-assisted vented front/rear brakes, the Grand Touring comes standard with a Brembo braking system that consists of a four-piston caliper with vented discs in the front and a two-piston caliper with vented discs in the rear. Also, all trims come equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and a Traction Control System (TCS). Only the Grand Touring, however, features Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). According to MSN, "The brake pedal has a linear action that allows smooth stops, and the standard anti-lock all-disc brakes provide impressively short stopping distances."
