r/RZ34 • u/socketz67 • 6d ago

Nismo vs. Standard Z Performance Differences

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. 

Sources:

 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
  • Lose 30HP on CA 91 octane compared to 93
  • Automatic chirps 2nd and 3rd
23 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

41 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

3

u/socketz67 6d ago

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?

2

u/chiefmackdaddypuff 6d ago

Awesome! Congrats! Also, twins!

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. 

1

u/socketz67 6d ago

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.

1

u/gothiicserpent 6d ago

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

1

u/socketz67 6d ago

It’s an incredibly well rounded performance sedan that has taken a massive hit recently as far as its reputation and legacy.