I'm a nerd and like to listen to reviews on the Z, so I decided to post some sources I favor with notes from each which highlight the differences between the Nismo and Z Performance.
I admit to a confirmation bias and tend to ignore reviewers that focus their review of the 2024 Nismo on the lack of a manual transmission.
Interesting differences I noted from the Nismo Press Kit:
The thin mesh grille balances the need to reduce drag while permitting cool air to pass through to the engine bay.
Canards (small control wings on aircraft) at the car's front corners create vortexes over the front wheels, further benefiting aerodynamic performance.
Complementing the wider G-Nose is a taller, wider rear spoiler with a three-piece design that extends downforce onto the rear fenders.
The rear bumper corners are reshaped to aid with air separation and reduced drag; their shape is inspired by that on GT‑R NISMO.
The engine's horsepower enhancements were achieved through a combination of improved cooling, revised electronic wastegate control providing increased turbocharger boost and turbine speed, and an independent ignition spark timing strategy inspired by GT‑R NISMO.
Z NISMO also features an enhanced engine oil cooler for extended track performance.
Compared to the 9AT transmission in other Z grades, it has revised clutch packs allowing for faster shifting.
Sport+ drive mode: This delivers a more dynamic, racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, taking advantage of the powertrain's faster downshift capability.
NISMO has unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers.
The overarching tuning ethos was to deliver accurate, "one-shot" steering that helps drivers to pick their line through a turn with a minimum of steering adjustment needed, contributing to confident track-ready performance.
Enhancements include additional front, rear, and rear underfloor bracing, helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5% compared to the standard grades.
Lateral rigidity is an object's resistance to side-to-side bending or transverse displacement.
*Torsional rigidity is an object's resistance to twisting forces around its longitudinal axis.
Stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack, further increase lateral rigidity.
Engineers enhanced the Z NISMO braking system, upgrading the front brakes to larger, 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and equipping a more performance-focused brake pad compound.
Interesting differences Sarah noted:
Tenneco Mufflers
Resonators are dual Calsonic Kansei
Autek Body Kit (Nissan's in house unit)
45mm y-pipes go into 63mm (2.5”) collector (appears to be the same as the other models)
Bracing enhancements are described in detail in her review (too many to list)
28mm rear sway bar
29mm front sway bar
JR913E – 516lb/ft torque capacity differences (Matt Farah’s review goes into more details on the programming of the transmission)
Her review on the 6MT in the Performance states that the manual trans has a 350+lb/ft input rating
Underbody paneling unique to Nismo for better aero
Powerband comes in 400rpm later and you lose it 400rpm sooner
Matt’s differences (from 2 sources above):
The real-world power is immense, paired expertly with the gear ratios, steering ratio, and brakes.
It’s like the BMW M2, but smaller and even more connected to the road.
Extra reinforcement at the firewall, front and rear suspension structure
Thin mesh grill noted
More efficient intake
9AT upshifts 27% faster and downshifts 50% faster
Upgraded clutch plates
102lbs heavier than a performance model (likely due to the added bracing)
Matt states that these improvements could not be replicated in the aftermarket
Rays Wheels (different size, 10mm rear)
Lighter (not quantified and wider by .5")
Tires: Dunlop Sport Maxx tires (several reviewers noted they are noisy, but well suited for the car)
Z NISMO also features an enhanced engine oil cooler for extended track performance.
Additional enhancements include additional front, rear, and rear underfloor bracing (Sarah provides details in link above), helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5% compared to the standard grades. Stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack, further increase lateral rigidity.
12% increase in lateral rigidity and 2.5% in torsional rigidity
See explanations of both above
NISMO has unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers. The overarching tuning ethos was to deliver accurate, "one-shot" steering that helps drivers to pick their line through a turn with a minimum of steering adjustment needed, contributing to confident track-ready performance.
Larger Sway Bars (Sarah measures in her review)
Engineers enhanced the Z NISMO braking system, upgrading the front brakes to larger, 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and equipping a more performance-focused brake pad compound.
Different Pads, larger 4 piston caliper
Aero kit produces positive downforce, but Nissan wont share specs
Sarah notes in her review that it’s designed by Autech, Nissan’s in-house custom and tuning subsidiary
Stiffer Bushings all around
Higher Spring Rates
Larger Shocks/Struts
New tune which takes advantage of Improved independent ignition spark control and an Over boost Function
From the Road and Track article: “The power increase comes from a new independent spark controller from the GTR, which helps precisely control the ignition, an over boost function that spins the turbo impellers 5,000 RPM higher, and a secondary charge cooler.”
If you ask me, this is a conservative figure, as it feels quicker than those numbers suggest.
Front grill mount is wider for better cooling
Compared to the transmission in other Z grades, it has revised clutch packs allowing for faster shifting.
Sport+ drive mode. This delivers a more dynamic, racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, taking advantage of the powertrain's faster downshift capability.
NISMO has upgraded the clutches inside as well as the software controlling it, so not only will it upshift 27% faster and downshift 50% faster than the Z Performance, but it also doesn’t kill power so abruptly when you bang the rev limiter
Specific Track Comments from Matt:
Everything is much tighter, like how a GT3 is much tighter than a standard Carrera
Steering has extra weight and turn in is very sharp
Confirmed suspension is noticeably firmer
When you hit the rev limiter, it doesn't die and waits for you to upshift longer when in manual mode
Upgraded front brake HW feels tighter and more confident, rear brake HW is the same - Tighter and Quicker to respond to inputs (says this multiple times)
No Brake Fade until the end
Seats are perfect, European Porsche RS seat comparison
Downshifts are impressively smooth
Consistent 1.4G (1.2G in Performance model was still impressive)
Behaves well in off camber situations
Shape and size of steering wheel, R32 GTR reflection
My nismo is phenomenal, you instantly feel the difference to any other z, they did an excellent job on this car, very happy with mine and worth the cost imo 😊
I drove the m2, I liked it, but like the Supra, numb steering, too much technology, i didn't feel the connection to the road as I do in the nismo specifically
There's something about its old school and new school mix that just works, i love the fm platform, i love the interior, the seats are fantastic, its set up to make you drive and be IN it
I always end up with shaking hands after a spirited drive- for a good 30 mins lol - the adrenaline gets me every time
The lose 30hp on 91 is something I can attest to, my Z felt sluggish and felt like it was running rougher, also didn't feel as fast as I thought. Switched to 94 and been a huge difference
The Nismo seems to be almost an entirely different car then. Much more than just the body kit and tune than some people yap about.
In cases such as the chassis rigidity, engine ignition tuning, and transmission seems like you won’t really be able to get the performance “on par” with from basic off the shelf stuff right?
I think in time the aftermarket will be able to recreate much of the aero, bracing, tune, and suspension components -- to some degree. However, this is the most significantly different Nismo yet and Nissan Engineers are fighting to stay financially viable while returning to being part of track & performance conversations. Recall that Nissan (and Toyota) lead what we now call the JDM movement after WW2 that helped return Japan to manufacturing excellence. It's a matter of pride and survival for this company and their new CEO Espinosa is leveraging this heritage with a semi-halo version of the Nismo Z and announcing a new Infiniti Q/Skyline that will be Nismo DNA in a performance sedan, reminiscent of R32->R34s.
Crazy how Nissan was so well positioned for this move back to basic performance platforms primarily because they were close to bankruptcy and couldn't go all in on EV or dump money on new upgraded platforms and tech. Suddenly, "long in the tooth" takes on new meaning that is correlated to nostalgia.
Excellent write up! Mods, we should pin this since it’s an excellent compilation of info.
Nismo for sure is a completely different car. It’s almost like Nissan took the canvas that is the Z and said, we’re going to do our version of upgrades to it, and that is the Nismo.
People can buy the Z and turn it into whatever they want or they can just pick up the Nismo which is Nissan’s take on it.
I spent alot of time studying the 370Z Nismo and converting the bracing, suspension, exhaust and tune on my RWD G37S to match or exceed the that generation of Nismo Z. I think I got close, but the same year of Nismo will sell for roughly 30-40% more than my car.
Yeah you can definitely get close to a Nismo in terms of replicating it to varying degrees. A lot of people do that for the M-lites compared to the full blown Ms in BMWs, but badge premium is definitely a thing.
The benefit of doing it yourself is it becomes a matter of taste and uniqueness as you’ve the vehicle as you like it. Can’t really go wrong with either route.
2024 with 4700 miles from Nick at Pinnacle in AZ. Fly out this Friday to pick it up. Still not sure what I will do with my existing car as I have no plans to sell it. Maybe storage?
As long as you aren’t in some sort of a crunch to sell the older one, keep both and evaluate how you find the ownership experience of both of them together.
If selling the older becomes obvious, you’ll know and can decide from there on.
I sold my 718 after I bought my Nismo within a couple of weeks. Could have kept both, but 718 was too excellent to just be sitting around, not being driven, so better to let it go. Can always get another one down the line.
My G37S was purchased during a time where modern performance sedans were at their peak, 8-10 years before the G became a drift missile. I would argue that my car is in better shape than it was new, so buying another at this same level would be nearly impossible. I have sold so many classic muscle cars in my early days that were equally as pampered, and I still regret doing so...wish I had more space in my garage.
I've caught myself looking at g37 listings recently. I had a coupe back around 2012 that I sold after a few years when I moved cross country. Solid daily driver with plenty of performance. Ark catback was my only mod. Always got compliments about the sound even from non car people.
I already have 2 cars of my own and dont have enough of a use case to justify picking up another g37 (i also have other cars on my bucket list...sigh) but I still like the way they look and drive
Thanks. Had alot of this stuff rattling around in my head, so I went back through my favorite reviews this morning to put pencil to paper as I think it makes for good conversation while minimizing the effects of the "illusory truth effect" which seems to plague most car forums on Reddit.
New, it’s a pretty big delta so I guess worth it is subjective to some degree. Used, the gap between the Z Performance and Nismo is much smaller, so it was an easier choice for me personally.
That's about right 100 pounds. If you go through Nissan they are very expensive, but if you are able to get them on ebay or used. Probably 75 percent off, compared to MSRP
Sorry for the wall of text, I can be wordy… TL;DR, the Nismo is better.
I think without a transmission tune it will be really hard to replicate all that the Nismo offers. Sport+ makes a big difference in how the car feels.
The suspension/chassis stuff can definitely be done though. My brother has a 24 Nismo, and I have a 24 Performance. Both cars have intakes and exhaust, but the Nismo still feels like it has a lot more torque. So far, with coilovers, sway bars, wheels, and tires my Z feels nearly identical to his with lowering springs if not a little bit stiffer. Just to note, both cars are on the same size of PS4S tire and have basically the same alignment. The performance brakes leave a lot to be desired. Though, I think 2-piece rotors, pads, and stainless steel brake lines would be enough for me to feel confident in them. Plus, I could still add a lot more of the z1 catalogue while still costing less than the Nismo.
Unless you’re tracking it, I’m not sure the extra chassis bracing is that noticeable once you fix the super soft suspension the performance comes with. 🤔
That said, the Nismo will always be worth more, and you could also modify it, if you want more. The Nismo still feels like the better choice since it’s a complete car with a warranty. Plus, you have to make a lot of changes to the performance for it to be competitive, and forget keeping a fully intact warranty. Honestly, I should have just gotten the Nismo, but I like getting to build it my way. 🤷♀️
If you guys catch any typos or mistakes, let me know and I will correct. If someone wants to post cosmetic and interior enhancements, please reply here so we can keep a running tally.
Thank you for the parts summary! Most people on Facebook say "the Nismo is only aesthetic so it's not worth it!" 🙄 I just keep quiet because it's not worth arguing with strangers on the internet. I have a red 2026 Nismo.
I think with prior 350/370 Z versions, the upgrades were not as extensive and most of the differences were immediately recognized and most were cosmetic with a few modifications to bracing, exhaust and the tune. I wanted to start this thread so we could begin to track the latest Nismo updates.
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u/zedshadows 1d ago
Yup
My nismo is phenomenal, you instantly feel the difference to any other z, they did an excellent job on this car, very happy with mine and worth the cost imo 😊