2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Vs 2016 Nissan 370Z

I think the idea was to show what you get for thirty thousand, not compare fully optioned cars. The Genesis brings more to the table at that price point. A Nismo 370Z STARTS at $42,000, and can stretch to nearly $48k (!). Also, how do you know the Genesis is cheaply constructed? Have you toured the plant? A comparison of top shelf versions of each car would also be interesting, but outside the scope of this article. It's just to see what you get if you have thirty grand, and these are the two cars you are considering.

You're right in that it should be a more apples to apples comparison (R-Spec vs base 370Z?). But there really isn't that much difference in the R-Spec versus the base Gen Coupe. I own the base. Both have the same engine, drive train, style, handling and interior (except for leather or upgraded navigation). The R-Spec has some slight advantages in that they've increased wheel size from 18 to 19 inches and added Brembo brakes. But those aren't the $8,000 aftermarket vented Brembos. I expect they're tuned down a bit for Hyundai. One thing you're probably not aware of, though, is the quality of Hyundai since it re-branded itself in the late 2000's. Hyundai vehicles are every bit on par, if not better, than anything Nissan is producing. In fact, in terms of reliability and customer satisfaction, Hyundai is doing as well, if not surpassing, every non-luxury brand, including Honda and Toyota (sure, there was a recall on Sonata's - fair enough - but we're talking Genesis brand primarily). There's a reason the Genesis sedan was Car of the Year in 2009. I bought the sedan in 2012. Base model was same V-6 that's in the Coupe, and that car was every bit on par with Mercedes E-class, BMW 5, and Lexus 400 level vehicles. I put 75,000 miles on that car without a single problem, and the only money I put into it besides gas and routine servicing was tires... at 60,000! The Coupe isn't as 'luxurious' (I don't have leather or wood grain in mine), but that's because it's scaled down to be a true DRIVER'S car. This is a sports car, through and through. 3.8L V-6, 348hp, with rear wheel drive. The front stabilizer bar keeps the nose clamped to the road and the rear end, even without the additional track tuning like the R-Spec, the rear end doesn't roll. In fact, the minor sway that comes from not having additional rear stability HELPS give you drive out of the turns. As a former motorcycle road racer, 'turn in' is a big part of cornering. The Genesis Coupe feels like it just backs the rear into the turn and points you right to the apex. The front end response is immediate. Even with my racing background, I had to work my way up to what this car is capable. You can literally THROW this car into a turn and nail the accelerator. And like the top end roadracing sport bikes, the traction control on this car is 'built' for racing. It will keep you from completely sliding out of a turn. You just have to be brave enough to trust the car. After a few days of driving it, you feel as if you're one the vehicle. I swear it's like a four-wheel motorcycle in terms of feel and overall handling. Oh, and if you want to drift?... this is a good car for it. Turn off traction control with the push of one button and then, well, you're on your own! For $25K for a base 2015 Gen Coupe - that's simply ridiculous for the overall quality and performance of the vehicle. But if you want a true apples to apples comparison, I'd be interested in seeing the base vs base comparison of the Gen and Z. I thing the Gen base still wins out. I think the true test is comparing the Ultimate Gen Coupe with the top level 370Z. At that point I believe the Z wins out on performance, but the Gen Coupe Ultimate gives you much more luxury. It's all on personal preference, really. Each is a fantastic car for the true enthusiast.

I think the idea was to compare price to price and they did just that.

I'm a former 5-time BMW owner who came back Stateside and saw no point in owning them anymore. Looked for something new and ran into a 2011 R-Spec. That car was a hoot to drive! Bought my second, a 2015 R-Spec, and with the upgraded engine with almost 50 more horsepower it's a complete blast to drive. I echo your comments completely...among the Bimmers I drove was an E46 M Car and this R-Spec is just about on a par from a performance and handling perspective, far as I'm concerned. These Coupes are a lot of car for the money.

Look I've owned both cars. As a matter of fact I've been in love with "Z" cars since the Datsun 240Z and I've owned several including the twin turbo last gen 300z so I know what I'm talking about. The comparison point was price, how much bang you get for your buck, and the Genesis is the clear winner in that catagory. Then consider the warranty, 3/36 5/60 for the 370 and 5/60 10/100 for the Genesis. Why doesn't Nissan stand behind their car as well? Most people will be making payments after the warranty has expired. On a performance car that I'm going to be driving hard on a regular basis that's a big deal! I took my time and drove every comparable sports car on the market and performance, style, value, practicality and especially warranty made the Genesis my choice. I've raced 370z sports and the cars are evenly matched in that area. It's everything else that sold me.