Naturally aspirated engines are the way to go for anyone who wants their horsepower delivered in a linear, undiluted fashion, but the engines are now a rare breed, even in the world of sports cars. You can blame emissions rules, as restrictions have led automakers to favor smaller, turbocharged engines over bigger, naturally aspirated units – and today, electrification is increasingly becoming part of the equation, further diluting things.The first victims of the engine downsizing trend were V8 engines and anything larger, but naturally aspirated V6 engines have also started disappearing. Among Japanese makes, there are only a handful of vehicles still fitted with a naturally aspirated V6, and when it comes to sports cars, the last disappeared about five years ago, when production of the Nissan 370Z – the Z34 generation to fans – finally ceased. 2009-2020 Nissan 370Z: All The Specs NissanThe 370Z is the sixth generation of the Z lineage dating back all the way to the Datsun 240Z that launched in 1969. It was launched for the 2009 model year in the US as the successor to the hugely popular 350Z, and was available as a coupe or convertible. Nissan didn't rock the boat with the 370Z's design. Instead, it took all the elements that worked on the 350Z – including that car's FM platform – and refined or sharpened things. Nissan even compared the 370Z to the Porsche Cayman at its launch – a car used for benchmarking by Nissan engineers when testing prototypes. Another was the BMW Z4 M Coupe.Compared to the 350Z, the 370Z benefited from a shortened wheelbase, a widened track, increased rigidity, increased use of lightweight construction, a new engine with more horsepower and improved fuel economy, and new manual and automatic transmissions – neither of which are a bad option, though the manual is better suited to a focused sports car with an unapologetic driving experience like the 370Z.The manual was also the first time on a production car that rev matching was introduced. Called Synchro Rev-Match by Nissan, it automatically blips the throttle on downshifts to mimic the effects of heel and toe shifting. You get smooth, crisp downshifts every time, while sounding like a real pro.Nissan The engine was the real star. Borrowed from the Infiniti G37 Coupe (later Q60 Coupe), which was a twin under the skin with the 370Z, it ensured the Nissan was quicker off the line than its muscle car competition, including some V8 models. The engine gives plenty of torque down low but also willingly revs to its 7,500 rpm redline, giving off a loud, brassy sound as it does so.A more potent version of the engine with 350 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque is fitted to the 370Z Nismo thanks to a revised exhaust and optimized ECU tuning, among other tweaks. The Nismo also featured a stiffer suspension, unique body kit, and additional chassis bracing – which is all great for the track but might be too harsh in the ride department for some buyers.The 370Z’s cabin feels well-crafted and surprisingly accommodating for taller occupants, which is uncommon in compact sports cars. The layout centers around the driver, yet the passenger enjoys generous comfort and space. With 6.9 cubic feet of luggage capacity, it can easily handle short trips or daily errands, complemented by numerous storage spots for personal items.Though not designed for family use, the 370Z excels as a car for weekend blasts. It could even be used for the daily commute thanks to its reasonable gas mileage and a manual transmission that's easy to use.The 370Z ended up sticking around for a long time, with several updates introduced periodically but nothing significant. The 2020 model year was the last, after which the Z nameplate took a hiatus before returning for 2023 on a redesigned Z. Nissan once again kept the same platform but refreshed it, while at the same time replacing the 370Z's naturally aspirated V6 with its ubiquitous twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Power was bumped up to 400 hp, but a lot of the character of the previous engine was lost. How Much To Pay Today Nissan The Nissan 370Z started at about $30,000 when new, and most examples up for sale are priced at less than 50 percent of that sticker, meaning the cars haven't held their value and aren't appealing to collectors yet, like some of Nissan's other sports cars. Think the 240SX. And given the age of early examples, mileage is going to be high, so any buyers looking to snag a bargain by getting an early car will have to be happy with extra wear and tear.A quick search on CarBuzz Marketplace reveals a number of examples priced below $10,000, though at this price point you're mostly looking at over 100,000 miles on the clock. Increase the budget closer to $15,000 and quite a few examples with around 50,000 miles can be had. Even lower mileage and sellers are asking for almost $20,000. Alternatives On The Market Hyundai For buyers in the market for a 370Z, there are several compelling alternatives in a similar price range, all of them with front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layouts like the Z. Probably the closest alternative is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, offered from 2010–2016. It has a taut chassis and weighs about the same as the 370Z, but offers up two powertrain choices: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and a 3.8-liter V6.Mazda The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are also in the picture, but if you want to pay under $20,000, you'll need to stick with the previous-generation cars (2015–2023 for Mustang and 2010–2015 for Camaros). You'll also have to forget about the V8 models, unless you're willing to accept extremely high mileage. Alternative powertrains for the Mustang include turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 and 3.7-liter V6 options, while for the Camaro there's a 3.6-liter V6.FordIf big power isn't a must, the first-generation Toyota GR86 (also sold as the Subaru BRZ), offered from 2012–2020, and Mazda's third-generation MX-5 Miata, offered from 2006–2015, deliver balance and lightweight agility that will thrill those who seek the pure driving experience, but acceleration is on the pace of larger family vehicles. These models all come with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, and like the 370Z, offer excellent reliability that makes them great as daily drivers. Get Them Before They're Gone Nissan The Nissan 370Z represents one of the last bastions of the naturally aspirated V6 sports car, delivering a visceral, linear driving experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s turbocharged and electrified landscape. It's also got a manual transmission option, which makes it all the more special. Combine all this with strong reliability, manageable running costs, and driver-focused performance, and the handsome Nissan sports car makes a compelling choice for enthusiasts who value engagement over raw numbers. The 370Z still offers a sense of occasion that few modern sports cars can match, making it well worth your consideration, as both a daily driver and a weekend toy – especially at the prices they're going for.Sources: Nissan, CarComplaints, JD Power, NHTSA, RepairPal
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