Hyundai Genesis Coupe versus Nissan 370Z
Quick comparo: New Hyundai Genesis Coupe versus new Nissan 370Z coupe:
Nissan has just released first official shots of its upcoming Z370 coupe that will be replacing aging, but still good looking Z350 model. The Z370 will slot in below a super striking GT-R coupe and will be officially released at the upcoming L.A. Auto Show.
I see the 370Z as a direct challenge for Hyundai Genesis Coupe, so lets make a quick comparisson between both of them based on exterior, interior design and some technical data.
The 370Z coupe will be powered by 3,7L V6, which has also been installed in Infiniti G37 and will generate between 300 and 330 horsepower. That throws the 370Z into the same league as Genesis Coupe, whose 3,8L V6 Lambda RS unit packs 310hp. Both will be available with six speed manual or automatic transmissions.
What I would like to hear from you is, whats your opinion on Z370 after you have seen these pictures. How would you compare it to the Genesis Coupe in terms of design? Which one looks better to you?
In the past few years, Nissan has gatherd lots of experiences with 350 coupe, while Genesis Coupe has been Hyundais first foray into the RWD coupe market. Do you think experience mean better sports car?
Below, I have enclosed images of both cars, so you can compare them side by side. So, let us know what you think…
New Nissan 370Z:
New Genesis Coupe:

October 30th, 2008 at 2:03 am
I like the Genesis Coupe better. It has more pleasant lines in my opinion. I drive a 350Z, by the way, and I see no difference between the 350 Z and the 370 Z models.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:31 am
Both look sweet, although the 370z beats the Genesis in both numbers and looks…I would have to test drive both to really tell which one I like best. Can’t judge a book by its cover.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Sort of an odd comparison, no? Considering Hyundai’s publicly benchmarked the G35/37 in marketing the Gen Coupe.
http://everythingworthknowing.com/genesiscoupe/
October 30th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Love the Z!!! As a previously owner of a 350Z you can definitely tell that the new 370 has a redefined look outside and inside. Much better in my opinion as I always thought that the 350Z inside was a bit cheap. Even though I like the look of the Hyundai, it is still a Hyundai
October 30th, 2008 at 4:44 am
370Z by a mile, and i didn’t event drive it.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I like them both very much and each will find lots of buyers when it goes on sale. While i find the Genesis better on the outside, 370Z beats it inside with it’s very unique and sporty look. Genesis inside looks more like some sedan. It’s not bad at all, but I really prefer more aggressive design inside.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Liam, please report to your nearest eye doctor to have your vision checked.
The number of difference between the 350Z and the 370Z are significant - headlights, taillights, rear quarter window, roof, hatch, rear bumper, rear fender flares, front bumper, interior, I could go on…
I take issue with your statement that you drive a 350Z if you can not see any difference between the two.
What is also a significant difference between the two cars, and is not stated in this article, is that the 370Z will also be ~300 lbs. lighter then the 350Z.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Well, it has retained it’s general shape, but also got lots of different elements. The 370Z will also be lighter because it has been shortened. It’s smaller than current 350Z.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I think the Z has timeless exterior lines as opposed to the genesis which will get old faster and reminds me of a celica for some odd reason. The Z will destroy it in the performance department though. I do think the genesis rear is nice.
November 1st, 2008 at 8:31 am
yeah bit its also going up in price… the 350 was already a lot more expensive than the predicted price for the gen… they based the handling off the previous gen M3 and according to some reports, they seem to have gotten that right! we have to test them both first i suppose~
anyways, the gen coupe has a much better exterior (esp. love the unique greenhouse dip) but the 370’s interior is sooo much better…
November 1st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
the Genesis coupe is very sexy. the new 370z has to look out 4 this one!
November 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 am
In response to the its just a hyundai comment left by PB let’s look at what hyundai has done with the Genesis Sedan.
For starters the 4.6L V8 is the most efficient naturally aspirated V8 available in any car priced under $150K! The Genesis Sedan has a more rigid frame, quieter ride, a better braking system and a more advanced suspension than the 5 series BMW and E class Mercedes, far out classing the Altima based Maxima and Infiniti M series. So by “its still a Hyundai”, you mean its still a product of, the worlds leading engineers, an almost limitless pre-production budget, and four years of stringent modeling, testing, reconfiguration and post production testing, your right its still just a Hyundai. Considering that Hyundai has outsold Honda and Nissan world wide for three years running, and was one of only two auto-manufacturers to have a gaining first quarter in the US this year, maybe this “just Hyundai” car has more potential than you give it credit for! Oh and lets not forget ZF is a pretty good name in transmissions!!
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Why are we comparing a 2 seater hardtop roadster with a 5 seater coupe? They DONT COMPARE AT ALL.
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
First off, I think Car Guy is hitting it right on. A couple key points he makes 1) ZF trannie: well known german engineering. 2) Limitless budget: Hyundai seems to be the only car manufacturer in S.Korea (gov’t funded?). 3) Comparing to BMW and Mercedes has long been the standard — certainly not excluding Toyota (unashamedly) and the beloved Nissan.
Second, Nissan could thank Hyundai for bringing more attention to their coupe. Since the engines are so close in size and capability I believe a test drive is better. Visually I’m glad Hyundai kept the rear side windows reminiscent of the Tibby. (RIP)
Lastly, sort of off but big kudos to our boys for throwing in a 2liter turbo in a rear wheel drive platform. Awesome!!!
November 28th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Went to Genesis test drive event. They also allowed us to test drive a Cadillac (not sure the model) and the E-550. I test drove the 8 cylinder model, then the E-550. The Hyundai person who took us in the E-class, who also happened to owned a M3, never spoke a word about the Genesis. All she did was showing off features of the E. Well, the E was almost 30k more, has slighty less rear room. But she ready didn’t have to say anything, the E wins, and it was not even close. It was Hyundai who put Mercedes there for us to test drive and I don’t know what’s their point.
And back to the Genesis coupe. The exterior reminds me about Timburon. What’s with the small front grill? Isn’t that what on the Accent?
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:20 am
first of all conceptvbs has a very good point, they are not comparable at all, completely different category, secondly PRICE is the very biggest difference between any of the competition, and no matter what people say about Hyundai they have a rock solid warranty, they are going to be more motivated to sell decent cars cause if they dont, it will cost them, not the consumer. a few things i would like to see on the gen coupe 1. a stability control dial, with the ability to turn stability control COMPLETELY OFF, like on the gumpert apollo, even if that means using a sepperate key like on th buggatti veyron. 2. a stipped out version, if you can get roll up windows on an accent, why not a genesis? 3. the sedans v8, but im actually on the fence with that one. 4? im not sure how many seats it has but if its 5, lets see 2+2 and shrink it up a little
on another but similar note, i saw the 370z in person recently and it looks really nice, except for some stupid headlights where the clear plastic forms into some kind of fin on top
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:54 am
The Z looks better I think, more purposeful, sportier. The genesis looks more sensible, more “mature”. When it comes to the price, I prefer the genesis coupe, by a mile.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:00 am
I was told that stability control can be turned off!
December 8th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Why not compare the 370z to the Cayman S, or the Z4 in looks ect
December 17th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Ling… is Mercedes E-Class beats the Genesis Sedan? LOL what parallel universe are you living in? I went to a ride and drive and I must say that E Class < Genesis = Lexus GS. The Lexus GS and Genesis both had their pros and cons… I honestly can’t say I like one more than the other… but for the price I can definitely say I like the Geensis more.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:44 am
This is an interesting thread. These cars are similar in some respects (rear wheel drive, sport 2-dr coupes etc) but very different in many others (2 seater vs. 2+2 and price). Also geared towards different demographics as the Nissan is much more raw and hard core while I would argue the Genesis coupe is more mainstream and would be more of a competitor with the Mustang and Altima coupe etc in price..
I was a real fan of the previous 350Z and thought it looked impressive but I think these new headlights and tail lights are simply ATROCIOUS! Definitely two steps back and also not feeling the catfish Nissan front. I’m sure the 370Z will easily outhandle and outperform the Genesis but again, different classes. Nissan has improved their interiors recently and the 370 has the nicer interior but again, this is reflected in the price difference of the two vehicles.
I am slowing getting used to the funky Genesis window but I give the nod for overall looks and balance to the Genesis (not as bad as Nissan’s headlights and tail lights imo). The Hyundai probably better suited for everyday driving with a more forgiving ride and more interior room as well. I had a Ford Probe GT many moons ago after university and simply loved it so I have an affinity for 2-dr coupes. A 4-cylinder turbo Genesis Coupe would be ideal for me..
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:48 am
I dont think you can compare the two cars because the Z is a “sports car” and Genesis is a “sport coupe”. Z=2 seats and lighter weight and better handling. Genesis coupe is more of a GT like a G35 or a Mustang. I think the 350Z looks better than the 370, the first two years (2003-2004) looked the best. I feel it was a modern sports car with no gimmicks. Then new 370Z has too many gimmicks imo and it looks two fussy………like it wants to be retro and contemporary at the same time. The Gen coupe is a good start for Hyundai, but i think its styling will be dated very quickly, as where the 350Z has a timeless design. Not to mention that the 350Z would out run the Genesis coupe in a race with no problem. I can only imagine what the 370Z will do to the Hyundai =D anyways, cheers to front engine rear drive coupes!
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 am
+1 With what Jason said.
If you drive a 350, and can’t tell the diff. btw that and the 370, I doubt your speaking the truth.
370Z
3,300lbs 332HP/275tq 3.7L V6
Do the math.
April 10th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I have drive experience with both of them,370 Z Nissan crash Hyundai in every test.also I think 370Z looks sharp and Genesis coupe looks Korean!
April 11th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Nissan 370z is wayyyyyyyy much better than Genesis coupe altho I admire to buy the latter considering my pocket lol
April 13th, 2009 at 7:32 am
@ David
you write should learn to type and foolish David because you dumb!
Translating David-speak: You’re an idiot for making a borderline racist comment. Buy hey, you’re allowed to express your opinion as I’m allowed to express mine..
May 21st, 2009 at 9:03 am
I kinda think the new 370 alright but I love how the gen coupe looks… If you go to gen coupe forum and check out the fixed up ones in Korea, their hott!!! and supposidly they are beating AMG’s and other cars down there… The look of it is much sleaker and if u take the engine on the gen, it is near similar to the evo’s… Evo’s is just tuned and has bigger turbo. If I had to choose, Gen coupe > 370z. Yea Hyundai might not be a impressive name but they have gotten a lot better over time and Nissan does have transmission problems. The look of the Gen is a lot better and for its price too. Can’t wait for Rspec to come out this fall! The turbo version boosting hecka little, They already boosted up the turbo’s in Korea to hitting 400 something hp on stock motor and they still running.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:08 am
I also dont think you cant compare these cars agreeing partially with Jason but yea I like 350 over 370 even though 370 faster. but you cant really compare a sport coupe to a sport car. Maybe compare a g35/37 to it but yea…
May 21st, 2009 at 9:44 pm
I was watching a comparison on hyundaibuzz.com between the gen coupe and the camaro…gen coupe only lost by one..pretty good…seeing how hyped up the camaro is
May 30th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
After having test drove each car with a good 45 minute stretch on both.
I can say they r both excellent cars but r very different as many are saying.
The 370 is a TRUE sports car with incredible speed and handling.
I test drove the grand touring with sport package.
You feel that airplane cockpit feel in the Z the paddleshift is as close to a manual
Feel as you can get. The high revving engine is loaded with power on tap
All the way to redline. The 370z is near perfect.
The genesis coupe. A true gt car. Like the 370 has excellent handling.
Power is good but not the adrenaline rush kind the z has. But the gencoupe
Has an engine rumble like a small v8 which is very impressive.
The paddle shift on the gen is smooth but has awkward placement n u
Can only shift with the bottom half of the paddle. (That’s weird ) plus it
Doesn’t shift with a true manual feel like the Z n lacks downshift rev-match
But the car handles very well. Torque is not thrilling but is above average.
Interior isgood quality with a cheap spot here and there but nowhere near as
Bad as magazines try to claim.
The Z interior is better BUT you can’t beat the dozens of features in the genesis coupe.
The cabin is designed like most sport luxury cars are designed today so
There isn’t anything uncommon about it EXCEPT most who have those features paid
45k and you will pay 31.75k in the hyundai.
If you are looking for a true sports car. Nothing beats the 370z at its price.
But if you want a GT 2+2, wanna go fast but not looking to break the speed
World record. The gencoupe is gonna be hard to beat.
Mustang v6 is a joke next to the gencoupe and camaro is just not as tecnologically
Advanced as the gencoupe. Plus neither v6 models will offer brembos but hyundai
Does. And stepping up to the v8 to compare isn’t a real comparo.
last of all the gen has virtually no blind spots. In that sense. It destroys all of them
Allowing you to be a better driver. And in texas. We need better drivers. Lol.
So in the end. No these cars don’t compare.
But as you can see they are both great in there own way.
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I think that genesis coupe is great.look at the design,when you look at the 370z and see the genesis , you will discover that 370 is very old and it doesnt have anything to say,
the problem is that we just close our eyes and look at the brands.every one who came faster that is better.any way genesis is sth else even intrior or exterior and pleas not sayits stil a hyundai
August 15th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I think both cars are nice. But if u really wanna get technical and compare 2 cars that don’t need to be compared.
The gencoupe has a cheap plasticky front end.
The Z doesn’t.
The Z has SRM on the manual. Downshift Rev match on the auto.
The gen doesn’t.
The Z is a full gauged car with all proper true sports car read outs.
Gen doesn’t.
The Z is clocked 0-60, 4.6 qrtr mi. 13.1 sec, (.98g, lat) top speed 160mph
The gen clocked. 5.5, 14.1, (.92g lat) and 149mph
Braking on 370Z 60-0, 101 ft…. On gen 111ft
There’s serious high end torque issues in the gen coupe.
Non in the Z.
Performance wise the Z has no rival except for the porsche cayman, base corvette, solstice and bmw z4.
Even the bmw 135 who matches all of the Z’s # stats is inferior in handling.
Why? Because its not a comparable car. 2 seat coupes are a different driving dynamic from a gt car.
The genesis coupe is a great car. I would NEVER SAY its jus a hyundai.
But truth be told. Its inferior to the Z because sports cars are generally
Inferior to GT cars.
Why? Because GT cars are designed as MULTI PURPOSE sport coupes.
Sports cars are FOUSED VEHICLES.
Compare the genny to the mazda rx8, G37, bmw135I along with v6 versions of camaro, challenger and mustang.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Don’t comment unless u have a Z or a Genesis! Pick your shit and drive the hell out of it!
August 25th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Was out cruising yesterday when I came upon a 350Z. Light to light the Genesis smoked the 350Z.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Z370 your an a$$. I’ll tell u y. U don’t hav to be an owner to have an opinion. I based my opinions on extensive test driving. Many aricles and research. My opinions are based on fact. And also I have a 370z on order.
And your advice is pick ur car n drive. If that’s how u chose ur car I guess u would have no info to back up your reasons for purchase. U jus choose the one the status quo thinks is cool n bought not knowing what ur really getting into.
Ur advice proves ur a wannabe tho u r an owner n ur opinion is SH1T.
CONTRIBUTE INFO NOT DISTRIBUTE GARBAGE!
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I am an a$$
but I’ll suport my claim.
Reading a magazine & masterbating is not the same as fucking.
1: I said don’t commment unless u have a Z or a Genesis. what I mean is you simply can’t judge a car by test driving it. Performance & handling yes, but cost of ownership & day to day. Can not judge reliability when it is new. Try 6 month or a year into it then rattling happens, parts start failing.. the list can go on. True story, My friend got a Genesis, drives great, been 6 months but the paint already faded, we work together parked in similar spot. Overall great $ usually buys greater quality. Z starts at ~$30k, genesis ~$26. With most people can read and compare, but that does not make u know the car. Example: sex
That brings me the the second point. Pick your shit & drive the hell out of it. Sport car is about fun if not beating a guy at the red light. Fun is an emotion based on opinion. Fun for you may not be fun for other people. If it is opinion then it is base on an indivial so pick your shit based on your liking. I’ll quote Genesis Owner “Was out cruising yesterday when I came upon a 350Z. Light to light the Genesis smoked the 350Z.” Drive the hell out of that thing!
October 24th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Well, well well, ARE YOU GUYS FOR REAL???
I MEAN, WE ARE REALLY COMPARING THE SUPER NISSAN SPORTS 370Z WITH a HYUNDAI???? I am so sorry for the Genesis lovers, but there is got to be a reason for the $20k difference in price. Plus, Z is 100% sport, Genesis is just a coupe with some extra hp. looks? forget it! just look at the picture. I can actually compare the Gen with my honda accord 98 that has new engine 300 hp with all the toys and paint. And that’s why i buying my first Z 370 tomorrow at 10:00 am!
October 25th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Re: Z is my last name
‘and that’s why i buying my first z 370 tomorrow at 10:00am!’
says-the-boy-who’s-learning-about-cars-and-learning-english-to-master-his-grammar.
I do not drive and I do not and will not say which car is better, but giving my thoughts on a psychological-base: “Z is 100% sport, genesis is just a coupe with some extra hp”??? what-the-(letter next to D on your keyboard, not S)
Z is 100% sport???
Genesis is just a coupe???
look up the definition of a ’sports car’ and what a ‘coupe’ is and what a ‘car’ is,
Here I’ll get you started,
A coupé or coupe (from the French verb couper, to cut) is a closed car body style. Wiki,
Use the internet to learn, not just to mazda-bate, even if your mother gave you a time limit to use the computer.
“And that’s why i buying my first Z370 tomorrow at 10:00am!”
>your FIRST Z370…? ok cool
October 25th, 2009 at 7:39 am
The Genesis coupe has a 500 HP Model coming out at SEMA, asshole!!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 3:04 am
Well! I’m a bit disappointed with the 370 size! They tried to shrink it, to gain more Hp! Not like this! come on!!
My Z350 looks much better with a full original kit, Rims Engine toys like a “twin turbo” and and and…cost me a fortune
The Z370 Interior is great. Can’t compare it!
Anyway I sold the car last year for some F**** personal reasons and believe me it’s like you lost a family member…
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Maybe I’ll start with the Interior and give this car a better look…
I know one thing, couldn’t stop looking at it, and admire this well designed car, but again! It needs my personal touch and $
No need to test drive the Z if you already have one or had this experience, saying “Experience” because it is… But for sure I’ll drive the Hyundai, and give this car a chance…
I’ll drive Genesis Coupe and wait for the new “Z390″ maybe they’ll stop playing with the rear end of the Z ones for all and we will increase the Hp ourselves No worries!!!
Good work Hyundai, and welcome to the family
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
in responce to liam:
Hyundai sucks!!! You cant replace a Z… It’s a frikin Nissan Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 28th, 2010 at 4:21 am
Great article, and content throught the site.. really very informative. I’ll grab the RSS feed and will stay tuned for more. Oh, and I threw you a StumbleUpon vote
March 9th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
I already bookmark this post, I might get back and will read your new post… bye for now
July 15th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
The 370Z is a MUCH better car! Better at everything. Better still is the Corvette Grand Sport! American muscle rules!