2014 NISSAN 370Z Roadster Review

In fact, while the handling is balanced, the car doesn’t quite inspire you to keep it on its toes through the bends. First of all, the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) steps in pretty early, so you’ll have to disable it if you want an adrenaline rush. And to initiatie drifts at moderate speeds you'll have to invite her to dance using the handbrake.

From this point on, you’re in for some pretty dangerous gameplay, as the setup of the car is not entirely accurate. This is why it’s best to keep things up to eight or nine out of ten. Do this and you’ll enjoy a nice sporting experience.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster can sprint with surprising attitude when you’re in the right gear. However, we caught the powertrain sleeping more than once. For example, you’re cruising along and you suddenly decide to nail it. Well, it will take a bit until the gearbox downshifts and you start feeling the power.

Speaking of seven-speed automatic, this feels a bit like a country girl who’s not too bright, but compensates through dedication. Let’s just say that it offers a fair deal.

The aural experience doesn’t help too much either. When you think that Infiniti has done wonders when it came to the voice of the VQ engine, you’ll be pretty frustrated with the soundtrack in the Z.

All you hear, even under high loads, is the exhaust gasses rushing to flow through the thick plumbing underneath the car. A butterfly valve, or at least a resonator pipe, would be much appreciated.

Well, at least the engine's not all that thirsty. During our drive, we averaged 18.8 mpg (12.5 l/100km), so the LEDs showing the fuel level kept calm. Speaking of this, we have to explain that each LED stands for a gallon of gas in the tank.

We can’t complain too much about this though, since not even the Nissan GT-R manages to do too well in the exhaust acoustics department. Here’s where the 370Z Roadster shows its advantages over the Coupe, as it allows you to enjoy more of the engine’s sound.