Nissan Z vs GR86 & 370z - Greatness in Unexpected Places | Everyday Driver Season 11

The new Nissan Z is here, and many people said we should have bought it instead of our GR86. So we set out with both cars, plus the prior gen 370z, to see what's new, what's better, and where we should have put our money.

00:00 - 1:20 Isn't this a Z car film?
1:20 - 2:20 Waiting for the Z car.
2:20 - 4:05 What we know for sure
4:05 - 6:36 On the bones of those before
6:36 - 10:29 Better than the 370z?
10:29 - 11:46 Can't believe this exists
11:46 - 13:06 Not alone, and not cheap
13:06 - 17:08 Can the 86 compete?
17:08 - 18:27 RTV and engine failures
18:27 - Should we have bought the Z instead of the 86?

This TV episode first premiered on MotorTrend cable channel in July of 2022, and is also available on Amazon Prime Video.

#NissanZ #GR86 #sportscar #comparison

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[Thefrankmaister]

Sacred words : Nissan they didn't let the Z Die. They have released a 400 Hp RWd 6 speed, sport car into the current car climate. In this Era where everyone and their grandma is producing boring Evs and fighting for the top most boring 0-60. This is a bold move from Nissan. We still want enthusiast cars. Awesome video.

[carlosgonzalezsanchez]

I’ve described my GR86 as a go kart. Sits so low and is engaging. It feels like I can find a new limit to toss it in and it always leaves a smile on my face

[nap]

They had to soften the Z's suspension to handle our crumbling infrastructure.

[AnishSomawar]

I like the way 'Z' looks. Fusion of Retro with futuristic styling works. It's one of those cars which grows on you everyday. Looks rad in black with racing stripes.

[alexrain]

Excellent comparison. This is actually the real JDM fan’s dilemma right now.

[filip]

I can totally see your points and I believe all of them are true. And as an owner of a 370z with all those necessary mods to make it *really good*, I'm happy with my car and will not change it.

[HandsomeAlex]

I love the way you brought the two cars together. Paul was just sitting there in the GR86, and I was thinking "What is the point of these shots"... Then Todd rolls up in the Z. Perfect!!

[fastcalendar]

Guys PLEASE stop talking up the GR86 so much. It’s already hard enough to find because apparently there’s plenty of people willing to spend ~10K markups for it

[TasteTheRambo]

Your GR86 looks fantastic with those gold wheels, in my opinion. Excellent choice.

[markahles]

Nice work fellas! GR86 vs Z vs 370Z. Gonna keep my 2016 370Z. Naturally aspirated V6, 2 seat, sports car and wins overall.

[DxCBuG]

I loved the idea of the new Z but the more i see i feel like it is a harsh compromise at its intended price point.
All i hear is it needs 1, 5 to 2, 5 grand worth of suspension to make it work.
It should have the LSD and the suspension from factory... for 40 thousand.

[DaniiVision]

Great comparison video guys! I currently have 23k miles on my GR86 and have not dropped the oil pan either. Just driving and enjoying it everyday.

[Ajushi]

You guys are the first auto journalists I heard say “ You can’t drive a spec sheet “ those words really tug on my heart strings as an auto enthusiast. I’m definitely liking and subscribing with the bell notification 👍🏻💪🏻🤘🏻

[SnoopysVet]

My dad purchased a 1978 Datsun Z brand new he loved it, two days ago I picked up a 2023 BRZ after watching your video. It may not have the power of a new Z car however I do love it and I can afford it!

[chrisydarg]

Outstanding work as all ways!!!! I am in my 40`s have owned several 280Z`s, 86 RX7, 2002 WRX and now own a Gr86 for a week : ) This car is SUCH a serious sports car even in base form. Yes, I have driven trucks for along so speed is relative. 200 miles in and haven`t gone under 4K rpms and I am MASSIVELY impressed. It`s feedback and level of control is next level to me, with sticky 18" and brake upgrade it will be a lil beast!

[RDKelly]

Thank you for being realistic about the RTV issues! I've had to reassure so many people both online and in-person.

I'm at 13k miles now and 3 track events, the car is great.

[ihgcdtl]

Love your channel, it’s great you guys don’t feel afraid to completely nurd out when comparing and describing vehicles.

[alienpoker]

Great review. I was really interested in buying the new Z. The blue or rosewood colors look great. But I came here to say that I’ve decided to keep my 370Z Nismo (2010 with 50K miles). It’s stock except for adding Stillen Gen3 long intakes and an oil cooler from Z1. The Nissan dealer wanted to buy it from me even before the new Z was available in the trim I wanted.

I’ve thought long and hard about it, and basically yes, I get a newer turbo engine and updated electronics… but I can’t justify the difference in price Nissan is asking. Probably 60K+ for a Nismo version and the options I would want. That’s double what the 370Z Nismo has cost me.

If you want a fast American muscle car, theres the Mustang GT350. A driver’s car could be the (BMW Z4 cough cough) Supra. It’s a crowded market and I’m starting to feel like the Z won’t complete long term. It’s kinda the end of an era for these types of cars. That just might be a good reason to own one. ❤

[ahdnaji]

400 hp used to be reserved for the upper echelon of vehicles. Let's just appreciate the times we are living in.

[jpark]

Called a local dealer on the Z wanted 40k mark up what happened to affordable sports Car companies need to fix this ASAP.