Someone had to do it......

[nissangirl74]

It's a sad, sad, day my friends.

I just read the September '09 issue of Car and Driver. Very informative articles about the new cars for the 2010 model year. I will eventually read them all but to start off, I skipped to page 110 to read the article for the 2010 Nismo Z.

For the most part, it was a positive article but they did reiterate something that all Nissan owners know, Z's perform better the more they are driven. This one was very stiff, not broken in at all. Nevertheless, it is a Z and the numbers are impressive.

Price - $39850/$40630 - as testedDisplacement - 226cu in, 3696ccPower 350 bhp@7400 rpmTorque 276 ft-lb-ft@ 5200 rpmWheelbase - 100.4Length 174.3 inWidth 72.6 inHeight 51.8 inCurb weight 3340 lbs0-60 5.2 sec0-100 12.5 sec0-130 25.6 secstreet start 5-60 mph 5.8 secstanding 1/4 mile 13.7@105 mphbraking 70-0 163 ft18/26 mpgas c/d tested 16 mpg

Not bad at all in my opinion. I saw Sheet's car when we were in Nashville and fell in love instantly. I went to Peoria Nissan and found one in 'graphite' and almost traded my Frontier for it (gives you some idea of how badly I wanted it). I have been convinced since July that someday one of those cars would be in our driveway.

However.......that all changed when I turned to page 62.

Ford is releasing a brand new Taurus SHO for 2010. I never have been a huge fan of Ford, even though I did own an '02 Taurus that I really enjoyed. It was a fantastic interstate car and it was effortless to drive. I have never personally driven a SHO model but I have close personal friends who have and they swear by them as a remarkable engineering marvel in a family sedan. The numbers speak for themselves.

$37995/$43280 - as testedDisplacement - 213ci/3496cc365 bhp@5500350 ft lb @35006 speed automatic w/manumatic shiftingWheelbase - 112.9 inLength - 202.9 inWidth - 76.2 inHeight - 60.7 inCurb Weight - 4346 lbs0-60 5.2 sec0-100 12.8 sec0-130 24.8 secstreet start 5-60 5.7secStanding 1/4 mile - 13.7@103 mph70-0 mph 174 ft17/25 mpgc/d as tested 16 mpg

*Cliff Notes: The Ford Taurus SHO outperformed the NISMO in power, torque, street start speed, 0-130 mph, and base price. (Not to mention passenger capacity, leg room and head room). It was equal in 0-60 mph, the standing 1/4, and gas mileage. The big shocker; the braking differential was only 11 feet despite the fact that the SHO weighs 1006 pounds more.

**Even though I am now armed with this information (I can not un-see what has been seen), don't think for one second that I am going to go out and buy a SHO....even though our 13 year-old likes it! However, I can say for a fact that I am no longer considering dropping $40K on a Z. What a shame

[RCA]

Very interesting...

I actually like the SHO. I think it looks sharp and I would consider buying one, if buying one didn't hurt my wallet that bad.

[dasoupdude]

Hey Bex, you could always "eco boost" twin turbo the 370z if you really wanted too.

[nissan_star]

the difference will be after you break in the Z and after you break in the ford.

One queston though: how does the 350hp nismo Z have a 0-60 time of 5.2 sec, while the 332hp Z has one of 4.9...

[MinisterofDOOM]

There's no way in Hell the SHO would outdo the Z on a real track. According to every review I've read, the car handles like poo, and the crude pointless AWD system does nothing to dispell the understeer tendencies of a 4000lb car with terrible weight distribution. Ford bungled it. They had a chance to build another sport sedan and instead built a Camry with lots of power. They really should offer a FWD SHO...I think that would improve the car a lot. REAL AWD is great, but everything I've read says the SHO's AWD is a joke and adds nothing of value to the car.

But, let's make it a fair fight:

Taurus:4400lb350hp/350 ft-lbSeats 5

Q of DOOM:4000lb350+ hp, 350+ ft-lbSeats 514 years old

Let's go, Ford. Any time you're ready.

P.S. My effing V8 does better than 16 miserable mpg while being driven HARD. Ecoboost my a**.

[ScrapMetal]

Ford should stick it's EcoBoost V6 in a RWD platform. Next gen Mustang GT anyone? The V8 fans would call it blasphemy.

[Looneybomber]

There's no way in Hell the SHO would outdo the Z on a real track.

Hehe, and no one would pit them against each other.

But I did see a show on tv this past weekend at my parents on SPEED. Lincoln MKS (rebadged SHO), BMW550i, Maserati bisoupoilndehw, Jag something, and Mercedes something.

The 550i ran a 70.# on some continential divide road track, the MKS ran a 72.# and then the next cars ran 74-77sec. Not too shabby being 2 sec behind the 550i, but it did look like it understeered constantly.

[BusyBadger]

I've got a friend at work that's a Blue Oval Junkie, and in the spirit of full disclosure so am I to a small extent. My non-Nissan is a Ford Explorer that's been nothing but steadfast and reliable, I think the Ford Mustang is best looking of the new retro-themed pony cars and I have nothing but pride and praise for Ford refusing bailout funds telling the government to keep their money.

In any case, both of us think that the new Camaro has lackluster numbers, a cheap interior, and hideous blindspots. The thing is that Chevy was pimpin' this thing for YEARS before it finally saw release and its still not right. They had plenty of time of time to get it right with market research, testing and evaluation. But they didn't...in my opinion its not even close to being right. Its almost like the designers went into the lab and had a conversation like this,"Cheap plastic interior - check. All looks, no performance - check. Trailer parks plugged into nav unit - check. Looks like its ready for our drivers!"

Well, maybe that last part wasn't there, but you know what I mean.

There's no way in Hell the SHO would outdo the Z

This.

[AZ-ZBum]

So the real question is....

Why are you comparing a 4 door sedan to a 2 door sports car?

[sluggoZ]

So the real question is....

Why are you comparing a 4 door sedan to a 2 door sports car?

Good question!

[Mr1der]

I'm a big filthy Ford lover but the SHO doesn't do it for me.

I'm still pissed at the commercials: Taurus "show"

that said, gimme some m/t Mustangs all damn day.

[raremotive]

I think Bex should test drive both. And make a review of her findings.

[Bubba1]

So the real question is....

Why are you comparing a 4 door sedan to a 2 door sports car?

You read my mind. I recently saw a new SHO. It does looks good from certain angles, but didn't captivate me. It's a taller vehicle than I expected. If I were in the market for a 4 door sedan with a peppy motor, there are probably other cars I would look at before a Ford. I'm sure I'll test drive one as I'll soon be replacing my wife's Altima.

[Looneybomber]

I vote 335i

[zozoka1212]

Interesting 2seater vs 4 seater. Anyways here is comparing with the G sedan. Maybe you should buy a G. If you are only interested in the 0-50 or straight line than you are looking at the wrong car. The Z gives you goob number but it shines in corners. Take the Z out for testdrive and the SHO. Take couple of hard cornering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuri5zIqbTw
Modified by zozoka1212 at 5:33 PM 10/17/2009

[f1seb]

That's pretty impressive with what Ford was able to do with that fat pig of a car. What I'm very interested in is how the aftermarket will support the SHO. I'm thinking along the lines of that magical B5 S4. Where all you really needed to do is chip that car to make it go like a raped pig.

[skydragoness]

I'm a big filthy Ford lover but the SHO doesn't do it for me.

I'm still pissed at the commercials: Taurus "show"

that said, gimme some m/t Mustangs all damn day.

You're telling me.. what's with the fake manual shifting sound in the commercial? Manumatics don't sound like real manuals... doooorky!

I'm with MoD on this one. It's a little off mark..

[zozoka1212]

I think where SHO falls short is the warranty. If they want 40k for a car in the luxury market better offer good warranty. Other than that should be a nice car. Braking is not to impressive for sure.

Modding would easy and cheap.

Also just remember Car and Driver is one of the worst if not the worst one. They compared the GT-R , 911 turbo with the M3 and they picked the M3.LOL


Modified by zozoka1212 at 6:40 PM 10/17/2009

[AZhitman]

So the real question is....

Why are you comparing a 4 door sedan to a 2 door sports car?

A better question is, why not?

If you hadn't noticed, it was just something noticed while reading the back-to-back articles.

Point being, the "sports car" is getting outperformed by a land yacht in many areas. Somewhat disappointing.

It's not like this "comparison" was borne of a "Gee, which one should we buy" question. Duh.

[BusyBadger]

So the real question is....

Why are you comparing a 4 door sedan to a 2 door sports car?

Similar performance numbers, similar prices.

The only difference is which one you take to the track and which one you take on a shipping trip with a family of four.

[AZhitman]

Interesting 2seater vs 4 seater. Anyways here is comparing with the G sedan. Maybe you should buy a G.

Ummm, we own a G.

And it'll rape a Nismo Z in a straight line, and on a road course.

The point was, like I said earlier, to point out that all the "oooh" and "aaah" over the Z might be a bit premature.

I absolutely LOVE the 370 - Don't get me wrong.

But it deserved better for its 40th birthday than some dress-up goodies... To reiterate what was said earlier, I'd hate to drop $40K on a Z and not be able to pull away from some chump in a Tortoise SHO.

[nissangirl74]

There's no way in Hell the SHO would outdo the Z on a real track.

I hope this is true.

So the real question is....

Why are you comparing a 4 door sedan to a 2 door sports car?

Because I can.

I think Bex should test drive both. And make a review of her findings.

So do I. I can rent one here and do a review but basically for highway and side street driving only. If I want winding roads, I would need to take it further north on the roads between Sedona and Flagstaff. Not sure if the dealer would go for that. I want to rent one when we go to Iowa next year and take it on the track. See what it will do in the turns. Of course, after that I'll need to drive the Z to compare....hmmmm....this one is gonna be fun!

there are probably other cars I would look at before a Ford.

+1 I would look at EVERYTHING else. And in case everyone missed it, I am NOT in the market for the SHO, or the Z. There's no way I would drop $40K on either one of these cars.

Maybe you should buy a G.

Also just remember Car and Driver is one of the worst if not the worst one.

Remember, I did not use their opinions, just their numbers. Those would be the same, regardless.

[zozoka1212]

As I said I don't rely on C&D 's #. They are way off. Also don't like paper racing. I leave that for the 12 or youngers. With the mind we have here nobody should buy anything but Cobalt SS or Mazda S3. They are almost if not as fast as the Z and G.

The american muscle cars were always as fast or close to the same if not faster than some of the little sport cars straight line. So what's new? LOL I'd love to see the SHO in autoX or some track numbers where you need to to turn and brake a lot for the turn.

Remember, I did not use their opinions, just their numbers. Those would be the same, regardless.

Yah but theur #'s are off a lot of time. Not sure if because of theur are biased or what. But whgo in the right mind would bring the M3 on the top against the 911 and the GT-R. That alone says it all.

[Bubba1]

As I said I don't rely on C&D 's #. They are way off. Also don't like paper racing. I leave that for the 12 or youngers. With the mind we have here nobody should buy anything but Cobalt SS or Mazda S3. They are almost if not as fast as the Z and G.

The american muscle cars were always as fast or close to the same if not faster than some of the little sport cars straight line. So what's new? LOL I'd love to see the SHO in autoX or some track numbers where you need to to turn and brake a lot for the turn.

Yah but theur #'s are off a lot of time. Not sure if because of theur are biased or what. But whgo in the right mind would bring the M3 on the top against the 911 and the GT-R. That alone says it all.

I think the bottom line is the 2010 Taurus SHO is an intriquing sedan. And it'll be interesting to find out if Ford has recaptured the magic they once had with the original yamaha powered SHO. They were fun straight line performance cars in their day, true sleepers. unfortunately Ford is fighting the same negative perceptions that GM is suffering through. Should be fun to flog one and see if it lives up to the hype.

[zozoka1212]

I think the bottom line is the 2010 Taurus SHO is an intriquing sedan. And it'll be interesting to find out if Ford has recaptured the magic they once had with the original yamaha powered SHO. They were fun straight line performance cars in their day, true sleepers. unfortunately Ford is fighting the same negative perceptions that GM is suffering through. Should be fun to flog one and see if it lives up to the hype.

+1 on all. I sure hope they will have success with it. They are the one that deserve it. Never asked for bail out. I have Ford on my driveway for a reason. I actuall have my 3rd Ford and so far love them and have no isue with them or the dealer/service. American cars as I said they were always good straight line so this should be no different. Especially if you give a little more boost.

At the end we all costumers well win. More choice and maybe better prices and/or more options for the same money.

[Retired Chief]

Ummm, we own a G.

And it'll rape a Nismo Z in a straight line, and on a road course.

Your supercharged G might. Stock vs stock - I doubt it.

[zozoka1212]

Ok

So I did a little reading and dropped my jaw. the roadster and they are saying 4.8 0-60 for the 370 from car and driver and nismo is 5.2. How did they do that. I sure hope it is just some freaky accident.

Here is the roadster test.

http://www.caranddriver.com/ne...shows

I don't get it. I guess you guys were right. 2010 Nismo is slow.
Modified by zozoka1212 at 4:31 PM 10/18/2009

[evildky]

this reminds me of an article Classic Motorsports magazine did, they compared a Jaguar E type, a similar vintage Porshce 911 and a new Honda Odysee minivan, and in straight line and in the turns they were all very comparable, and with stickier tires the minivan actually outperfromed the classic sports cars, but their closing statements rang true, the vna might have the perfromance and can mroe comfortable carry more people and stuff in greater comfort but you won't remember the ride, you remember the destination, in the sports cars it's nto as comfortable you make concession in space for people and stuff but you remember the crive! and isn't thats what it's about? the drive, thats the difference

on a side not, I have nto driven an SHO but I have driven a few tuarus's (tauri?) and I must say it was the most numbing unimpressive car I've ever driven and made me wonder why they would think to make a performance model? who could drive this uninspired turd and think, "I can work with this"? they might as well build a twin turbo minivan, don't get me wrogn the taurus is a fine and capable form of transportation, it can carry 4 people in comfort with adequate power, brakes and economy but you won't rememeber the drive, if you want to live life and remember the drive, get a Z

[BusyBadger]

Your post made me instantly think of this...

Ferrari 308 - Kia Sedona Comparison

[AZhitman]

Your supercharged G might. Stock vs stock - I doubt it.

Correct. Keep in mind what I was replying to.