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Identifying the First-Gen Ford MustangUnder $18,000: Nissan 370Z vs Ford Mustang
These two classic and relentless sports cars have met the need for speed in completely different ways, but only one can be the winner.
A Sports Car on a Budget
As two of the most popular sports cars available in the United States, the Nissan 370Z and the Ford Mustang go about providing a sporty driving experience in dramatically different ways. That will come as a shock to many who might see them both as similarly priced, similarly sized, and similarly shaped cars, but underneath the skin, they couldn’t be much more different. Nevertheless, both have garnered droves of fans that date back to the 1960s. That makes this comparison even more special, because very few nameplates can say that they’ve been distilled down over the course of nearly half a century.
Used Nissan 370Z vs Ford Mustang Specs
Let’s start with the older of the two cars, the Ford Mustang. For our comparison, we’ll focus on the modern contemporary of the Nissan 370Z, the fifth generation S-197 Ford Mustang. From 2005-2010, the base Mustang used a 210 horsepower V6 while the V8 GT trim level made 300 horsepower. In 2011, a new V6 made 305 horsepower and the V8 was boosted to 412 horsepower thanks to the new at the time Coyote motor. Depending on the engine in the Mustang, selected 0-60 times range anywhere from 6.6 seconds all the way down to 4.6 seconds. But keep in mind that 2011+ V8 models with reasonable mileage are almost always outside of our $18,000 budget. Built from 2005 all the way through 2014, the S-197 version of the Mustang lasted a long time, but not as long as the 370Z.
Originally released in 2009, the used Nissan 370Z comes stock with a 332 horsepower V6. A six-speed manual with automatic rev-matching is also standard. 0-60 happens in just 5.1 seconds and the 370Z can stop from 60 in just 101 feet, nearly matching the performance of the Nissan GT-R of the same year. Many 370Z models come equipped with an optional Sport package that adds a limited-slip differential, bigger front brakes, spoilers both front and rear, as well as 19-inch wheels. While rare, some examples have been given the NISMO treatment and they’ll come with 350 horsepower.
Driving Characteristics
Throw these two cars into a corner and very quickly one thing becomes evident. The year and trim level of the used Ford Mustang you’re in changes the experience completely while it makes almost no difference in a used Nissan 370Z. That’s because, after 2011, the suspension, engine, and transmission all were much more competitive. If you’re looking for a great driving sports car, a used 2010 Ford Mustang can’t really keep up with a used Nissan 370Z of the same year at this price point, but that doesn’t mean this competition is over.
Used pre-2011 Mustangs can still be fun, and inexpensive too. The V6 should be avoided at all costs, but the 4.6-liter V8 is properly fun. In a straight line it comes into its own and sounds amazing at full-throttle. Chuck it into a bend and it gets a bit less enjoyable as it’s less predictable than we’d like. It’s also considerably heavier than the 370Z and as mentioned, less powerful. Weasel your way into a post-2011 model and the competition gets much more interesting. Newer suspension components make this version much more communicative in turns. The V8 is dramatically more powerful too and there’s nothing the 370Z has in its bag of tricks as aurally pleasurable as the noise it makes.
What the used Nissan 370Z does right is provide simple, straightforward speed. Depending on trim specification, it’s roughly 400 pounds lighter than the Mustang. That’s equivalent to removing a full grown Mountain Gorilla from the passenger seat of your 370Z before setting off. The difference in nuance and deftness provided by the suspension of the Nissan is clear as a bell as soon as you enter a bend above cruising speeds. In fact, where it’s fairly easy to reach the limit of the Mustang’s cornering ability, very few drivers will be skilled enough to do the same in the 370Z.
Interior Comfort
Inside the available used Ford Mustangs, drivers will find excellent space regardless of their size and, unlike the Nissan, two small seats for smaller folks behind the front occupants. There’s more space in the rear than in the 370Z too. 2010 featured the best blend of retro design and quality materials of any Mustang to that time. Again, we suggest the V8 as the seating is considerably better at holding you in place during more passionate driving. The layout and controls are easy to operate and understand.
The available used Nissan 370Z models will feel more dated compared to the Mustang, but it’s still a nice place to be. Seating is more focused on performance driving, but that attitude also translates to the rest of the interior with fewer spaces for cargo and things. It’s also louder as it goes down a road which is a shame because the 3.7-liter VQ engine under the hood isn’t particularly symphonic. Tire noise is also easily heard inside the cabin, again, speaking to how lightweight this thing is overall. While the Mustang has seen many design changes since this period, the 370Z is barely different inside for 2020 as it was back in 2010. That might draw some buyers as it makes it feel less like they’re missing out on new features.
Used Nissan 370Z vs Ford Mustang Features
Speaking of features, the Ford Mustang was well equipped with technology. Very notable is how quickly and seamlessly the Bluetooth connection works in vehicles equipped with the Sync infotainment system. We found it to be very responsive to touches and even the voice-command feature is still very good even ten years later. Some examples can be had with customizable interior lighting or even a sunroof.
Looking at the used Nissan 370Z, it’s a bit more sparse in terms of overall technology in the cabin. Aside from the aforementioned rev-matching on the manual transmission, it’s pretty ho-hum. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, but the system isn’t as intuitive or advanced as the Mustang’s. Still, we like the convertible version of the 370Z more than the Mustang in part because it looks better, but also because it simply functions better.
And The Winner Is…
You. That’s right, it’s the person getting to pick between these two because depending on your personal driving style it should be clear which is better. For those that love canyon carving and g-forces, the used Nissan 370Z is almost always going to come out on top. It’s not as good to listen to, but it’s just so much sharper to drive. For those that really just love American Muscle and the emotional delivery of power it provides, the used Ford Mustang can’t be beaten. There’s one X-Factor to consider here. For $18,000 there are far more generations of the Mustang that can be had, where the 370Z only arrived in 2009. For those that really do just want a good old muscle car, there are some pretty sweet classic Mustangs available.
