2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Vs 2016 Nissan 370Z
Sometimes, decisions in life can be tough.
Picture yourself with $30,000 just sitting in your bank account waiting to be spent on a shiny new performance vehicle. What do you do? Go for a lightweight, driver-focused machine like the Mazda MX-5 or Scion FR-S? Or maybe compact rockets like the Ford Focus ST and Subaru WRX are more your style?
But what if it’s a more traditional V6 powered, rear-wheel drive sports you’re after? Ford, Dodge and Chevy all offer V6 editions of the brand’s muscle cars, but these are tailored more towards the pedestrian than performance. That leaves Hyundai and Nissan.
Get a Quote on a New Hyundai Genesis Coupe or Nissan 370ZFor just a hair over 30 grand after destination charges, a base Nissan 370Z or Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec can be acquired. Both cars come with big V6 engines, rear-wheel drive and a proper six-speed manual transmission.
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Liftback vs 2+2
And for $30,000, don’t expect much equipment in either car. The Genesis Coupe arrived to the test sporting features not found in the 370Z like satellite radio, a telescopic steering wheel and leather seating surfaces. The Nissan counters with push button start, smart key entry and HID headlights. Although it’s a matter of personal taste, for my money, I’d gladly take the Hyundai’s old school twist key if it means I get a telescopic steering wheel.
Genesis Has the Right Parts
Under the hood, Hyundai continues to bring the bacon. With a slightly larger 3.8-liter V6 engine, the Genesis makes 348 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s 16 more horsepower and 25 more pound feet of torque than Nissan kicks out of its 3.7-liter V6. The Hyundai pulls with good authority through all the gears, backed by a nice V6 soundtrack, thanks to an intake resonator.
370Z Has the Right Moves
The 370Z’s clutch is much heavier than the one in the Genesis and has a more abrupt uptake point. The shifter also requires more effort than the Hyundai’s, but the throws are shorter and each gear locks in more precisely. Plus, the 370Z is much better suited for smooth heel-toe shifting.
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Compare Specs
Vehicle | 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe | Advantage | 2016 Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|
Engine | 3.8 L six-cylinder | - | 3.7 L six-cylinder |
Horsepower | 348 HP | Genesis | 332 HP |
Torque | 295 lb-ft. | Genesis | 270 lb-ft. |
Weight | 3,523 lbs. 370Z 3,274 lbs. | ||
Cargo Space | 10 cubic feet | Genesis | 6.9 cubic feet |
Fuel Economy (US) | 16 MPG city, 24 MPG hwy | 370Z | 18 MPG city, 26 MPG hwy |
Fuel Economy (CDN) | 14.4 L/100 km city, 9.5 L/100 km hwy | 370Z | 13.3 L/100 km city, 9.3 L/100 km hwy |
Observed Fuel Economy | 21.8MPG | 370Z | 22.4 MPG |
Starting Price(US) | $30,395 | - | $30,815 |
Starting Price(CDN) | $31,194 | - | $31,738 |
With less weight and a better front-to-rear distribution, the 370Z is the more tossable and fun to drive car of the two. Neither coupe offers incredible levels of grip, but both can handle a corner without issue and are wholly predictable. The 370Z is just a little more precise and quicker to respond.
The steering effort in the 370Z is lighter than the Hyundai’s, but as speeds build, it firms up and plenty of feedback from the road is transmitted to the driver’s hands. Steering feel, as always, is a bit numb and disconnected in the Gen Coupe.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Ultimate Review
But the lack of performance goodies does catch up with the 370Z. It can’t put the power down coming out of a corner the same way the Genesis can, since it’s missing the LSD. And the standard brakes on the Nissan don’t inspire much confidence during hard stops. The Gen Coupe is also more tail happy than the 370Z and allows for controlled sideways action when called for.
This, in large part, can occur since Hyundai has included a multi-stage stability control system on the Genesis Coupe that allows for the system to be fully disabled. Not only is this good news for those in love with opposite-lock, but it’s also welcome since the stability control system is a major party pooper. When it kicks in, it’s very aggressive and abruptly kills all engine power as it applies heavy braking, nearly killing all forward momentum. The 370Z’s stability control can’t be fully turned off in the base coupe, but at least it’s not as intrusive as the system in the Genesis.
Comfort and Style
Having been around since 2009 without any significant changes, the 370Z is becoming an old man in the world of sports cars and feels dated inside. The driver position isn’t as good as the Genesis’s mainly due to the lack of a telescopic steering wheel. I feel like I am straight-arm driving the Nissan at most times.
The 370Z’s front seats feel flimsy and the overall interior design isn’t as nice as the Gen Coupe’s. But since this is the base 370Z, it rides on smaller 18-inch wheels with higher sidewall tires. This helps to offer a softer ride that is much smoother than the bumpy Genesis.
But in terms of practicality, the Genesis Coupe wins hands down. In a pinch, it can fit four full-sized people. It’s not the most comfortable situation to be in, but a lot of other 2+2 coupes can’t fit adults in the back seats whatsoever.
The Verdict: 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs 2015 Nissan 370Z
Two similar cars yet, both take two very different approaches to performance. The Genesis Coupe is a better-rounded vehicle that offers more space and higher levels of practicality. If it’s going to be the only car in the driveway, it’s the better choice.
But if it’s a true sports car you’re after, get the 370Z. Like an ornery, out of date detective, the Nissan may have been around for a while, but it still gets the job done. Just don’t buy the $30,000 base model. It’s not worth it. Save up the extra scratch and get the 370Z Sport. The extra performance and enjoyment will remain long after the initial cost increase is long forgotten.
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, 2016 Nissan 370Z
LOVE IT
- Engine sound
- Interior space
- Standard performance equipment
- Price
- Engine performance
- Handling
- Fuel economy
- Fun to drive
LEAVE IT
- Weight
- Steering
- Shifter feel
- Seats
- Interior design
- Lack of engine sound
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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This article is highly inaccurate and is comparing completely different levels of vehicle. First, the 2015 Genesis coupe begins at ~$26,750 for a 6s manual genesis 3.8L 2015. Next you compared, a R-Spec Genesis coupe ( which is not an base model ) to a Base Model 370Z. If you are going to compare a racing spec to a racing spec, do an accurate comparison of a R-Spec Genesis vs a Nismo 370z. To compare a top of the line, cheaply constructed Korean luxury car to a base model, renowned Japanese sports car is completely asinine. Compare a 2014 Genesis coupe with a 2013 G37 coupe ( or even an x coupe), for less than the Genesis coupe. There is not much of a comparison, as the old g37x ( Now Q60 ) is hands down the superior. This article sounds like some fan boy's opinion, and tried to downplay the base model 370z, which performance wise will destroy a genesis coupe. Genesis just has luxury, as it's the poor man's BMW.
Ok you 370z fanboys, the genesis is clearly the winner. I mean the z can be better if you are willing drop tons more money into it. But a stock comparison shows the genesis is the better of the two. Clearly.