2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs two thousand sixteen Nissan 370Z
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Do you want livability or spectacle?
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Sometimes, decisions in life can be harsh.
Picture yourself with $30,000 just sitting in your bank account waiting to be spent on a shiny fresh spectacle 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 Concentrate 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 suggest V6 editions of the brand’s muscle cars, but these are tailored more towards the pedestrian than spectacle. That leaves Hyundai and Nissan.
For just a hair over thirty grand after destination charges, a base Nissan 370Z or Hyundai Genesis Coupe Trio.8 R-Spec can be acquired. Both cars come with big V6 engines, rear-wheel drive and a decent six-speed manual transmission.
Liftback vs Two+Two
There are some key differences however. The Genesis is a much larger car — it’s almost a foot and a half longer. This permits it to have a real backseat, unlike the 370Z. The Genesis also has a ten cubic foot trunk, while the Nissan features a liftback design that is significantly smaller, only capable of hauling 6.9 cubic feet of cargo.
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 shove button embark, brainy key entry and HID headlights. Albeit it’s a matter of individual 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
The R-Spec version of the Gen Coupe comes tooled with a lot of go-fast goodies. A Torsen limited slip rear differential, sportier suspension, larger brakes and 19-inch wheels are all included. Items similar to these can be had on the 370Z, but not at the $30,000 price point. To get them requires throwing another $Trio,500 into the air at the dealership to grab a 370Z Sport model.
Under the fetish mask, Hyundai proceeds to bring the bacon. With a slightly larger Three.8-liter V6 engine, the Genesis makes three hundred forty eight hp and two hundred ninety five lb-ft of torque. That’s sixteen more horsepower and twenty five more pound feet of torque than Nissan kicks out of its Trio.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
Despite having less power, the 370Z is the quicker of the two cars in a straight line. That’s mainly because at Three,274 lbs, it is two hundred forty nine pounds lighter than the Hyundai. Otherwise, the two V6 engines feel similar in their spectacle and power. The only real difference is the higher redline in the 370Z lets it scream a little more. Problem is, it can’t truly be heard. In base form, the three hundred seventy is just too damn quiet.
The 370Z’s clutch is much stronger 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 slick heel-toe shifting.
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Compare Specs
With less weight and a better front-to-rear distribution, the 370Z is the more tossable and joy to drive car of the two. Neither coupe offers incredible levels of grip, but both can treat a corner without issue and are wholly predictable. The 370Z is just a little more precise and quicker to react.
The steering effort in the 370Z is lighter than the Hyundai’s, but as speeds build, it firms up and slew of feedback from the road is transmitted to the driver’s arms. Steering feel, as always, is a bit numb and disconnected in the Gen Coupe.
But the lack of spectacle 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 blessed than the 370Z and permits for managed sideways activity when called for.
This, in large part, can occur since Hyundai has included a multi-stage stability control system on the Genesis Coupe that permits 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 strenuous braking, almost 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.
Convenience and Style
Having been around since two thousand nine without any significant switches, the 370Z is becoming an old man in the world of sports cars and feels dated inwards. 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 rails on smaller 18-inch wheels with higher sidewall tires. This helps to suggest a softer rail that is much smoother than the bumpy Genesis.
But in terms of practicality, the Genesis Coupe wins arms down. In a pinch, it can fit four full-sized people. It’s not the most convenient situation to be in, but a lot of other Two+Two coupes can’t fit adults in the back seats whatsoever.
The Verdict: two thousand fifteen Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs two thousand fifteen Nissan 370Z
Two similar cars yet, both take two very different approaches to spectacle. 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 scrape and get the 370Z Sport. The extra spectacle and enjoyment will remain long after the initial cost increase is long forgotten.
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2016 Nissan 370Z
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Why does the plastic in Korean cars look so subdue and cheap? It looks like they skimped out on even plastic. The shift boot’s leather is also very strange texture/colour compared to the Nissan. The design of the centre console is nice with ample space and controls as an arms length whereas the Z is very spartan; that can be a pro or con depending on who you ask. Overall the driving dynamics of the Z and classic sports car silhouette of the Z wins out for me.
Korean cars have gotten much better than they were in the 90’s but in general they still seem like a lot of proverbial sizzle without the steak. They typically have a lot unnecessary features that people seem to think they can’t live without today and are frequently over-styled. But if you scrape underneath the surface there’s still not a lot of substance/quality.
Says the Japanese fellow on a Japanese car against a Korean car. I see where your loyalties lie.
Being a Nissan/Infinti possessor and paramour… I have to say I choose the interior of the genesis, but outside exterior looks goes to the Z. The Hyundai simply looks very economy looking rather than brawny sports car… Its a damsels sports car. Might as well buy it in purple.
The steering feel isn’t numb and connected idiot. Did you drive the car? The steering is strenuous, acute add hell and accurate. Smh
The steering is VERY Acute and accurate not numb and disconnected
Why didn’t they compare the two thousand fifteen Nissan to the two thousand fifteen Genesis instead of comparing the two thousand sixteen Nissan? What twist key? My Coupe has shove button commence. I would like them to compare my speedy eight speed automatic with spanking paddle shifter in the 1/Four mile. Bye Bye Nissan.
Gen coupe is badly in need of a sheet metal overhaul IMO, not to mention a diet.
well said Billy!
Koreans do one thing well. throw powder in the eyes of lowest monthly payments car shoppers … Car journalists suggest way to much empathy for their “better than before” products … for what it means lmao .. Korean cars look good on paper, but the truth is, underneath quirky sheet metal and whatever options available, they are cheap, unrefined and overal, underwhelming …
Tho’, I should add that I think Kia makes some pretty good looking cars at the moment.
Says the boy standing up for the genesis which has fake spandex hood scoops… = tacky as hell ewwwww
Use to like the Z, but wish they either lighten the Z or make the Nismo IDX. The Gen is a nice GT but not a canyon carver.
This article is very inaccurate and is comparing downright different levels of vehicle. Very first, the two thousand fifteen Genesis coupe commences at
$26,750 for a 6s manual genesis Three.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 fully asinine. Compare a two thousand fourteen Genesis coupe with a two thousand thirteen 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 palms down the superior. This article sounds like some fan boy’s opinion, and attempted to downplay the base model 370z, which spectacle wise will ruin a genesis coupe. Genesis just has luxury, as it’s the poor man’s BMW.
I agree that they throw in lots of accessories and give a long term warranty.. hmm I guess I should have an issue with that . As far as the value , or cheapness as suggested I don’t agree and after having a two thousand ten version of the genesis and never having any issues till I just sold it recently all I can say is I had a blast spinning those tires anywhere I could and the auto tranny on that year model was a ‘ZF’ 6speed and with the spanking paddle shift it was rock solid tranny. Then again ZF trannies are known to be one of the best on the market!
Thing is the Koreans are developing at a high rate of speed and have sales to display for it. The Genesis sedan is still not there yet, but the help from Lotus to tune the car has helped them on the drive front a little bit. I like the fresh Sonata now they have toned down the styling and seem to going a little Germanic and reserved. Cannot fault them on value very lightly, but in my area of mid size sedans, the Mazda six is still the drivers car I think.
I think the idea was to display 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 spread to almost $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.
Very true. It does look a bit dowdy for a sport coupe.
With your speedy eight speed auto ? I think you mean your – I don’t indeed know how to drive a car – flappy paddel auto tranny that would still get smoked by the Nissan. Just look at the power to weight ratio. The only time auto transmissions are swifter is with launch control and in a straight line, which again is for people that don’t know how to drive a real spectacle car w/ manual transmission.
You’re right in that it should be a more apples to apples comparison (R-Spec vs base 370Z?). But there indeed 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, treating and interior (except for leather or upgraded navigation). The R-Spec has some slight advantages in that they’ve enlargened wheel size from eighteen to nineteen 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 most likely not aware of, however, 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 Five, and Lexus four hundred 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. Trio.8L V-6, 348hp, with rear wheel drive. The front stabilizer bar keeps the nose pinched to the road and the rear end, even without the extra track tuning like the R-Spec, the rear end doesn’t roll. In fact, the minor sway that comes from not having extra 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 instantaneous. 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 screw 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 downright sliding out of a turn. You just have to be plucky 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 treating. Oh, and if you want to drift?… this is a good car for it. Turn off traction control with the shove of one button and then, well, you’re on your own! For $25K for a base two thousand fifteen Gen Coupe – that’s simply ridiculous for the overall quality and spectacle of the vehicle. But if you want a true apples to apples comparison, I’d be interested in observing 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 spectacle, but the Gen Coupe Ultimate gives you much more luxury. It’s all on private preference, truly. Each is a fantastic car for the true enthusiast.
So a car isn’t a spectacle car unless it’s a manual? You must be a 16yr old kid. I ran up against 370z with my gt coupe with “flappy paddles” and do you truly wanna know who got “smoked”? Bye bye Datsun.
I think the idea was to compare price to price and they did just that.
I’m a former 5-time BMW holder who came back Stateside and witnessed no point in possessing them anymore. Looked for something fresh and ran into a two thousand eleven R-Spec. That car was a hoot to drive! Bought my 2nd, a two thousand fifteen R-Spec, and with the upgraded engine with almost fifty more horsepower it’s a accomplish blast to drive. I echo your comments fully…among the Bimmers I drove was an E46 M Car and this R-Spec is just about on a par from a spectacle and treating perspective, far as I’m worried. These Coupes are a lot of car for the money.
Look I’ve wielded both cars. As a matter of fact I’ve been in love with “Z” cars since the Datsun 240Z and I’ve possessed 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, Three/36 Five/60 for the three hundred seventy and Five/60 Ten/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 spectacle 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 spectacle, 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.
Been there, done that. Both cars neck to neck. Literally identical spectacle
Not sure about older models but I own a two thousand sixteen Genesis coupe and my interior, and fit and finish are excellent. I think they upgraded their materials beginning in 2015
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.
