Impressively high horsepower isn’t restricted to expensive sports cars anymore. In fact, with the number of affordable options available now, it’s easy for just about anyone to get their hands on a car that makes 300 hp. The Nissan 370Z is one of the cheapest 300 hp cars on the market for 2020, according to MotorTrend — but while it performs well, it falls short in a few key areas.

What to expect from the 2020 Nissan 370Z

The 2020 Nissan 370Z starts at $31,015 and features a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 332 hp. It has a six-speed manual transmission and gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

The base model does not come with an infotainment display. Instead, it has an extra storage cubby. Features include automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and automatic on/off headlights.

The 370Z has 6.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Its cabin contains a leather-wrapped shift knob, steering wheel, and parking brake handle, while its seats feature cloth upholstery. 

Pros and cons

The Nissan 370Z is one of the most affordable 300-hp cars you can buy new, but it is also one of the oldest, MotorTrend reports. First released in 2009, the 370Z shows its age in its extreme lack of modern technology and safety features. In fact, MotorTrend describes it as “outdated and outclassed in every measure.”

Perhaps most notably, the 370Z lacks any type of driver-assist technology. While many cars come standard with features such as forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, the 370Z doesn’t even offer these as options.

The base model 370Z — which is what you’ll need to opt for if you want the lowest price — also features no infotainment screen at all. While higher trims do have a 7.0-inch display and a few infotainment features, they do not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capabilities.

However, the Nissan 370Z does have a few advantages. MotorTrend describes it as “a treat to drive,” with a responsive transmission and good handling. And while it may be outdated, the 370Z also has a classic, recognizable look that may appeal to longtime fans. 

Even so, this vehicle’s cramped, low-quality interior and lack of technology mean that you’re really getting what you pay for — which, in this case, is not a lot.

How does the 370Z compare to its more affordable competitors?

If you’re on the market for an affordable, high-powered vehicle, you’ve got plenty of options other than the Nissan 370Z. At $27,865, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback might be one of your best bets. It features a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine that gets 310 hp, and MotorTrend states that even the base model is fun to drive. This car is so affordable, in fact, that you can upgrade to the GT Fastback and get 460 hp for just $37,075.

Another option is the Chevrolet Camaro LS Coupe, which gets 335 hp for $30,090. As with the Mustang, the LS has an optional upgrade that will get you to 455 hp for $34,995, which is a whole lot of extra power for a fairly marginal price bump.

Best of all, the 370Z’s competitors offer better prices without any of the technical issues you’ll find in the Nissan. There’s no doubt that the 370Z is affordable and offers excellent performance — but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice. If you’re a fan of manual, old-school vehicles without a lot of modern tech, the 370Z might be right up your alley. If not, you’d be better off exploring a few other options first.