Affordable Sport Coupes with V6 Engines: 2011 Ford Mustang Vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z

Now before we get to the touchy subject of what is and what isn't "affordable," let's first admit that the mere fact that you can buy sport coupes with 300 horsepower for around $30,000 is downright amazing. Not many years ago power like this was in the realm where only the super exotic two doors played at prices well into six figures.

Both the Z and Mustang are available with automatic gearboxes, but if you are going to buy a high powered V6 sport coupe do it right. Both cars feature self-shifters that are genuinely fun to use and have clutches light enough for traffic duty.

The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 and the 2011 Nissan 370Z both are rear drive, come with robustly engaging six-speed manual transmissions and feature styling that is meant to render them irresistible. So how are you supposed to pick between these two iconic yet still affordable sport coupes? Well, I have driven both so perhaps my experiences and impressions can help you make up your mind. You might be surprised by the outcome.

Exterior Styling

Both the 2011 Mustang and 370Z and subtle evolutions of their original shape but there is no question that the Ford is the more visually arresting (pardon the pun) proposition. The Z looks pert, taut and muscular enough but it doesn't have the raw muscle car hubris that so defines the Mustang package. (Advantage: 2011 Ford Mustang)

Interior

Both of these sport coupes are very easy to get in and out of no matter how tall or large your body type. Both feature dashboards that have clear, easy to use controls and dials. But my 370Z and Mustang V6 were both base models and thusly equipped the Nissan proved to have a much nicer "feel" to the interior materials. To get a nice Mustang interior you have to spend a little more. (Advantage: 2011 Nissan 370Z)

Value and Pricing

The 2011 Nissan 370Z starts at $30,610 and if you want the nigh-on essential Sport package the price goes up to $33,880. Add in the Touring Package which nets you leather, Bose audio, Bluetooth and heated seats and the price is $38,300. Sadly, to get USB/iPod connectivity you have to select the $2,150 Navigation Package which gives you an in-dash system, a multi-gigabyte hard drive for song storage, XM satellite radio and a back-up camera.

The 2011 Mustang V6 starts at just $22,145 but if you want any options you have to fork over $25,845 for the Premium model which admittedly comes with leather seats, Sync, a Shaker 500 audio system, ambient interior lighting, a leather wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloys, Sirius satellite radio and bright chrome trim. I tested a basic Mustang without the Premium trim and can say without question that you want to order the more expensive version for interior ambience alone.

No matter how well equipped you equip a 2011 Mustang V6, however, you will have to work very hard to create a price tag anywhere near that of the 370Z Touring with the Sport Package. Also, the 2011 Mustang is more useful as it has a back seat. (Advantage: 2011 Ford Mustang)

Fuel Economy

The 2011 Nissan 370Z returns EPA estimates of 18 city/26 highway whereas the Mustang V6 gets 19 city/29 highway. (Advantage: 2011 Ford Mustang)

Driving Impressions (Worth Double Points)

The Mustang has an all-new 3.7 liter 305 horsepower/280 lb. feet of torque V6 and by no means does this engine ever make this pony car feel slow. The six-speed manual transmission is also new and deserves mention for its stellar imitation of a Miata's close ratio gearbox. But unfortunately this motor gets a bit thrashy if you take it near the RPM redline so it can feel painful to access the power.

I have heard complaints about the noise, vibration and harshness levels of the Z's 3.7 liter 332 horsepower/272 lb. feet of torque V6 from other reviewers but I found this engine's behavior to be nothing but sporty. Sure, the motor makes the meaty six-speed manual's shift lever vibrate a bit at stop lights but it never felt intrusive.

Whereas the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 felt a lot like a nicely buttoned down boulevard cruiser the Z felt more like a precision back road corner carving machine. The steering was more precise and finely weighted in the Nissan Z and the limits of adhesion were definitely higher during spirited driving. Lastly, the Syncro-Rev Match on my Sport equipped Z tester worked phenomenally by blipping the throttle during every downshift. It made me feel like a racing superstar and for that reason it wins. (Advantage: 2011 Nissan 370Z)

Verdict

The Mustang would win this contest if it was ordered in Premium trim as the basic model feels depressing from the driver's seat. Sure, the 2011 Nissan 370Z can get expensive but when it comes to soul stirring sports cars you only live once. And in my life I would pick the Nissan.

Sources: Fordusa.com

Nissanusa.com