When you’re faced with a choice between the 2020 Ford Mustang and Nissan 370Z roadster, you might not know where to begin. Luckily, Jones Ford is here to help you take a closer look at each of these sports coupes.
Sporty Style: It’s a Tie!
No matter which muscle car you select, you can expect a lot of admiring looks. With its sloping roof and rounded front end, the 2020 Nissan 370Z has a very recognizable silhouette. It’s also available in some eye-catching colors (our favorites include Passion Red Tricoat and Deep Blue Pearl).
The 2020 Ford Mustang is an American icon. Its muscular grille and fastback roof are highly recognizable, even when you’re speeding by in a blur. And the Mustang is available in even more look-at-me colors, including Grabber Lime, Twister Orange, and Velocity Blue.
Raw Power: 2020 Ford Mustang
Of the pair, the Mustang is ultimately more powerful. EcoBoost Mustangs feature a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. With the High Performance package, it gives you 330 horses and 350 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang GT delivers even more speed, thanks to its 5.0-liter V8 engine, a beast that makes 460 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque. It, too, offers a performance package, boosting output to 480 horses.
Every 2020 Nissan 370Z features the same engine : a turbocharged 3.7-liter V6 that makes 332 horses and 270 pound-feet of torque. In Nismo trim models, the same engine makes 350 horses and 276 pound-feet of torque. Drivers get their choice of a six-speed manual (more control over performance) or a seven-speed automatic (improved fuel economy).
A+ Performance: 2020 Ford Mustang
In addition to delivering a speedier ride, the Mustang’s independent rear suspension adds an impressive level of refinement. Ford’s sports coupe also manages to keep road noise outside, so it can’t intrude on your conversations. The welcome exception is the engine, which will sound a beautiful exhaust note at your request.
The Nissan 370Z delivers excellent performance down a straightway. However, when things get curvy, you’ll long for better handling. Unlike the Mustang, which comes standard with a limited-slip rear differential, the 370Z doesn’t offer one, putting a damper on the potential for quick starts. This roadster is also loud—with near-constant road and engine noise, it can be tough to hear yourself think.
Modern Features: 2020 Ford Mustang
The Mustang is home to all the latest infotainment gear and safety aids. You’ll love the Sync 3 infotainment system, which includes a crisp, colorful 8-inch touch screen and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Add high-tech safety aids, like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with emergency braking, and there will be less surprises awaiting you in traffic.
Unfortunately, the Nissan 370Z lacks many features that modern drivers want. Although the top Sport Touring and Nismo models offer touch-screen infotainment interfaces, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity isn’t available. And some modern driver safety aids, like blind-spot monitoring, aren’t offered, either.
While the 2020 Nissan 370Z roadster attracts plenty of attention, it’s the 2020 Ford Mustang that’s the real catch. Ford’s classic pony car is much more than a pretty face, delivering a blistering performance, impressive refinement, and all the latest tech gear. To see what we mean, swing by Jones Ford, your friendly North Charleston Ford dealership, and give it a test spin!