Automatic better than Manual?! 2023 Nissan Z Manual Review and Buying Guide

#NissanZ #savethemanuals
I test out the manual transmission 2023 Nissan Z. Was I more impressed with the 9-speed auto instead? Let's find out in this review and buying guide.
The new Z: An exhilarating, dynamic performer
The original 240Z was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible - a car built for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts. That spirit and heritage continues today with the launch of the latest reincarnation of Z.
The 2023 Z's 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine adds a significant bump in power output over the previous generation 370Z. The engine is rated at 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque starting from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm. With an increase of 68 horsepower and a 30 percent increase in torque, the engine is designed to deliver a sharp, yet smooth response to the driver's input, along with an estimated 15 percent improvement in 0 to 60 mph acceleration.
"Simply put, our goal is to make this the best Z yet, period. With each generation, we raise the bar, pushing the limits of Z and continuing to tap into the human instinct for that next thrilling journey," said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the new Z. "More than just powerful and agile, the 2023 Z is designed to be one with the driver for all kinds of on-road adventures."
To achieve the marked increase in horsepower and torque, and to deliver sharp response, small-diameter turbochargers were adopted, as well as a turbo speed sensor to ensure the capabilities of the turbos are fully utilized (max spooling speed). The twin turbos balance power output and response time, while the use of an electronic variable valve timing (e-VVT) intake valve system ensures optimum response, adjusting the intake valve timing on-the-fly to achieve excellent response and fuel efficiency in a variety of driving scenes.
One of the defining traits of Z has always been its bond between the car and the driver - a physical and visceral connection, nonmatter the road ahead. That human-machine bond dominates the new Z, especially in the presence of the standard, 6-speed manual transmission.
The 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission includes an EXEDY® high-performance clutch. As a physical touch point between driver and Z, the shifter glides to the next gear, almost instinctively, with minimal effort.
In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, Z Performance models equipped with a manual transmission include an advanced launch assist control system that helps deliver smooth acceleration from a stopped position. All automatic transmission-equipped models feature the launch control system. Manual transmission-equipped models also feature a carbon-fiber composite drive shaft, with SynchroRev Match® added to 6MT Performance models.
An advanced, quick-response 9-speed automatic transmission is also available. The new 9-speed automatic offers a direct and quick response feeling and quick acceleration, thanks to its wide gear ratio spread and standard launch control system. Its satisfying engagement keeps the thrill of Z power and performance in sync with the driver. Aluminum paddle shifters are standard on all 9AT-equipped models, with unique paddle shifters, the same design as found on GT-R, on Performance models.
The engineering team tuned the chassis, cooling, suspension and steering to ensure the driver always feels connected with the car. Getting behind the wheel, the Z feels new and modern, yet still familiar.
When it comes to delivering predictable, responsive handling, the engineering team took a multi-prong approach, especially for high-speed driving and cornering. Enhanced body rigidity, an electronic power steering with rack assist and a strong mechanical feel, and wider front tires (on both Sport and Performance grades) help increase maximum cornering G up to 13 percent.
Both front and rear dampers use a new monotube shock absorber design with a larger diameter than the outgoing 370Z, resulting in an approximately 20 percent reduction in dampening force to help minimize impact shock over uneven surfaces, enhance road-following performance and improve handling stability. The front double-wishbone aluminum suspension features new geometry, including increased caster angle, improving straight line stability. A two-point front strut tower brace is standard. The rear independent multi-link aluminum suspension has also been reconfigured with new settings.
Responsive braking is provided by 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Larger sport brakes with red-painted calipers are standard on Performance grade models. The Z Sport grade rides on dark-painted 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance tires, while Z Performance grades features 19-inch RAYS® super lightweight forged aluminum-alloy mounted with Bridgestone Potenza® S007 high performance tires.
00:00 - Engine / Exterior
02:03 - Interior
04:56 - Driving the Manual Z
14:52 - Buying Guide

[@Hschlick84]

I still haven't seen a Nissan Z in person yet.

[@jonesa9214]

I haven't seen any of these on the road.

[@is4life862]

Because their ugly IMO.....

[@2seep]

I’ve seen 1, and that was just 3 weeks ago. They are so rare.

[@hailstorm1986]

I saw a white one in Sacramento California a week ago.😇

[@HailCaesar-lm4bq]

None !!

[@faheemabbas3965]

Thanks, dealer markups. And the fact that the Supra exists. This thing is kinda overpriced even at MSRP. Why have grand-touring-like handling when the Supra exists?

[@lanceareadbhar]

I miss the days when you could get a manual for cheaper than an automatic.

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

*Nissan Versa Enters The Chat*

[@badboy-gn8fu]

the Z is a perfect cruiser. im a touring type of guy and i don't race or go to track but i love cruising and this Z is perfect for that.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes! It feels in some ways the more affordable Japanese GT under the Lexus LC

[@mrgurulittle7000]

I like the Z because it’s a true Nissan and not a European sports car in clothing. The Supra is just a BMW.

[@Soravia]

Yes, get manual and replace the tiny mid pipes. OE muffler isn't as much issue as mid pipes restrictions

[@laurenzdeganos9875]

My fav color of the Z. Such a striking design and interior. Awesome video on my birthday

[@bryanrojas2907]

Ayeee I have a 350z down the road from you and I saw the 400z at your house was waiting on this video😁

[@elwhite1992]

Was watching some some car reviews from 15 years ago and the cars sounded so raw and real back then compared to now.

[@Soravia]

If manual transmission is not smooth, replace the factory fluid with a different better fluid. Motorcraft XT-M5-QS is one. GM sells their Synchromesh fluids for corvettes and Camaros, too.

[@ladyliss]

Manual whenever possible

[@gambj]

I think there might be something up with your test unit's transmission. The one i drove felt great, no issue in 5th at all. Or starting from a stop.

[@markcoopers1930]

Early reviews noted bad gear grinding issues in early gears, 1-2 and 2-3

[@maverick2242]

Sarah n Tuned also says exact opposite to a Kirk, Z Manual better than the Supra, whole car more visceral. Again opposite where Supra AT better than Z Auto. interesting. maybe because Kirk drives on the streets.

[@SvenQ45]

@@maverick2242 Well everyone has different tastes. Sometimes a review can´t really help some because they do feel different than other people. Best thing is always to test something yourself if it fits you or not.

[@aye3678]

Another awesome car we won't be getting in the UK... Such a shame :(

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Awesome

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

You should get a manual no matter what vehicle you are buying.

[@faheemabbas3965]

fight the EV-matics.

[@ytsux9259]

Even in a work truck or minivan? 🤣🤦

[@ytsux9259]

Manual is ALWAYS better than auto in fun and sportiness, even if not as quick. 🤟

[@user-df3ye5nm9y]

Yea but that fun wears off quickly unless its a 3rd vehicle

[@Vivek.Clips2024]

not as ur only car

[@manicoasis4200]

@@Vivek.Clips2024 Yes, all your cars should be manual

[@heinzn6272]

Makes me miss my 2007 350z it was a great car. I too would love the yellow in a stick shift for a second car. Looks like a winning refresh 🏆 by Nissan Japan

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

I like that maroon color....sounds weird, but would want it with the blue interior. 😂

[@ytsux9259]

Buy a Nismo next year.

[@Wiggy321]

I have a question....you mentioned rev hang, have you tried turning off the rev matching feature, then drive the car to see if the rev match feature is causing the rev hang?

[@Bum_Hip]

Kirk, how tall are you? I’m 6’4” and fit well in a Mustang. You look tall on camera, so hoping to use your experience as a reference.

[@crazyone1067]

It's great they did hard plastic for the hood over the gauges. Anytime it's soft plastic it cracks after time.

[@TheSkyline5467]

I love the interior of this car.

[@KirkKreifels]

Me too!

[@ciello___8307]

in some parts it feels a bit too 370z ish for me, but they did a good job updating the tech inside

[@reggieparkhurst563]

I had to have the manual. What’s a sports car without shifting? My Z is the Performance version in Gun Metallic without the two tone paint which I prefer. Also my dealer sold the car at MSRP

[@deedgrabber]

Wow, nice find. Can't find anything at MSRP

[@White.Halo.]

5:35 I have a manual performance package and I don’t have a notch by my 5/6 gears, I’m wondering if it’s just that particular car.

[@bryantcurtis2573]

Love this car. Considering the new S650 Mustang is out at dealers soon even more competition

[@SKChow-jg2zt]

I would love to make it looks like the "Devil Z"! 😍🤣😍🤣 It's a joy to learn that it has a child seat anchor! Just wondering did the older 370Z has one also? It could be a selling point to dads out there who wants something like this to daily drive while need to picking up a kid on the way home. (It won't work with a 2+ children family however. 😅😅)

[@billseiler4952]

Correction….dude wasn’t taking a picture of the Z …..it was you ….you da man !!!

[@bigd90909]

Kirk going 85mph and still getting passed by a CX5 sums up Florida drivers perfectly

[@labornurse]

Maybe they are scarce because of the huge market adjustments the Nissan dealers are adding...

[@faheemabbas3965]

And that Nissan is too broke to make it competitive with the Supra. Going GT with this car wasn’t a good idea imo. Though I swear, Nissan being broke is the reason why they’re milking the R35 so much. They can’t afford to make the R36 great…. if not at all.

[@labornurse]

@@faheemabbas3965 it's sad, because Datsun/Nissan/Infiniti used to be respected and a leader in performance cars.

[@91_C4_FL]

I’ve seen two in person. Although, the 2nd one I saw had a wrap and the 1st was yellow. So it may have been the same car.

[@andrewgeddes3375]

I dont own the current model Z but im constantly irritated by the constant moaning about both clutch and manual transmission theoretical issues.For perspective i own a 2018 nismo manual,prior a 350 and 300.I can only assume people who have issues with their competemce driving a stick.

[@clay3544]

I'd get the manual. Then again I'm biased since my 370 is. Maybe if you are tracking it and you are looking to get the fastest lap times. But even then I'd think getting the best possible lap time using a manual would be more satisfying IMO

[@6Slick6Rick6]

So I saw the option to control it with your phone (lock it and unlock it and even remote start it) but how can you remote start a manual transmission car?

[@deedgrabber]

Been trying to buy one for 6 months but can't pay 7500-25000 market adjustment...wish they could crank out more of them.

[@ninjapants7688]

I bought one as a daily driver, because the McLaren keeps getting shit thrown at it/scratched by assholes. Went with Seiran blue and auto for fuel saving, but honestly the paddle shift is really fun.

[@hailstorm1986]

I saw a white one of these in Sacramento California.😇

[@ericB3444]

This car should come with cooled seats, a cooled wheel and a full sized cooler for YOUS steak. The lounge should have an oven.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

How many new 2023 Nissan Zs have been bought? I haven’t seen any of the new Zs yet?

[@deedgrabber]

They are sellimg all they can make. ..not sure how many

[@islanddon865]

Automatic. This isn't a cutting edge roadster. The vast majority will see a ride down Hollywood Blvd before they ever see a lap around any track. But I really think this is a great car for casual daily workloads, as well as an occasional hot run down in Julian, CA for some apple pie and non-stop ess turns. I believe the 50+ "white top" crowd will be snatching up these beauties, without too much damage to their Retirement Fund. Very nice car.

[@SJ-kf5zh]

It’s a cheaply built to replace the q60 but still cost more for some reason automatic vs automatic with AWD CarPlay extra seats leather etc

[@faheemabbas3965]

@@lbbncand not everyone seems to want that. People are going for Supra instead. Which honestly is a shame

[@alengreen589]

how is the Z selling in the USA ?

[@realcreamofwheat7728]

I was fortunate to test drive the proto spex Z. Can confirm the manual will be better than that glitchy transmission.

[@User2djdb]

rav hang can be a deal breaker, my WRX rav hang ruined my experience a quite a bit.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Stick only , wish it was buttery smooth like the MX5

[@lanceareadbhar]

Manual if you know how to drive one or are willing to learn. Driving a manual is so much more fun than driving an automatic.

[@philjackett-simpson5149]

The automatics r so good these days it ain't necessary for manual in a sports car anymore. Back in the eighties, the Porsche 928 would be 2 second slower to 100kmh due to the sluggish autos compared to manuals.

[@93ksj]

The buying guide: don’t get robbed my markups

[@Thrilla604]

Try canada, Nissan canada took preorder deposits in january of 2022, it is now july 30th 2023 and still havent got 1 update from either the dealership or nissan canada. this car is non-existent here

[@didickcheeseburger]

ive still never seen a new z in real life yet. im guessing the greedy dealer markups arent working as well as they hoped.

[@vlmoua]

No power seats in a 50k car?

[@markcoopers1930]

A bad manual doesn't add anything, and thats a lot of money for a bad manual. Its why the new M2 is getting rec'd to get in auto instead of the rubbery lifeless BMW manual that they're known for. With any luck Nissan tweaks the feel to be better in line with the Supra, or even GM's manual in the Camaro. Although they'd have to sell some to get that sort of customer feedback. And Nissan is famous for following up and updating their models...

[@HailCaesar-lm4bq]

Is it noisy inside like they always have been ?

[@maxism5454]

198K Kirk c'mon you can do it

[@nissanzenkiboy]

Manual transmission hands down only real drivers can drive M/T

[@2seep]

Manual is so easy to drive, I don’t know why people act why it’s impossible and if you can your better then those who can’t. The only reason to choose manual is because it’s much more fun.

[@markcoopers1930]

Don't you have a TRD Camry, V6? That's auto only.

[@nissanzenkiboy]

@@markcoopers1930 you remember yes unfortunately I do as of now but this is my first automatic. I wish it was m/t so bad tho. If there was a m/t I would of gone with that. All my last cars where M/T

[@nissanzenkiboy]

@@2seep 100% Agree

[@FeLiX13sLaVe]

Buying guide? Who can buy these? Lmao

[@Hschlick84]

Rich people.

[@dubiousmike]

Automatics aren’t respectable unless you’re under 35.

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

To be honest, for 50k I am getting a new Camaro 1SS convertible 6.2L V8 with manual transmission....but I am poor so I will stick to my 1998 Nissan Sentra with manual transmission. 😂 I did paint it Kubota orange to feel more fun. 😅