A vehicle's performance and power are undeniably two of the most important factors when it comes to car hunting for a number of car experts. While the 2016 Subaru WRX STI starts with economy car roots and adds go-faster bits, the 2017 Nissan 370Z Nismo, on the other hand, was built from the ground up with performance in mind. Considering the fact that both vehicles do have the same target, which is to go faster, it seemingly looks like that they have their own approach that goes from the different ends of the spectrum.
According to Road Show, with the 2017 Nissan 370Z being considered as the almost polar opposite of the STI, experts said that the Z comes with a traditional, low-slung sports coupe with a big V6 engine up front and the widest tires that Nissan could fit under the wheel arches out back. Meanwhile, the Subaru allegedly starts with a more high-tech powertrain having a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a 305-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In terms of its designs, the Nissan 370Z Nismo has the edge over the Subaru WRX STI; but, when it comes to performance, despite some challenges encountered by Subaru's STI, it has eventually turned out to beat the rear-wheel drive Z off of the line and to victory.
However, per Auto Evolution, experts said that it's not as if the STI is the epitome of speed as there are some drag races where high-powered has lost to its lower-end competitors. Additionally, it was found that while the Nismo follows the crest of the road and its bucket seats don't offer much support, Subaru's STI reportedly offers a big trunk and seating for at least four people. Despite that, both cars are said to have a lot of desirable features, unless you're talking about the infotainment systems.
Overall, Subaru proved to be quite an easy car to drive quickly, which has been made possible by its various all-wheel drive and traction modes that are all accessible via the S-Drive control bank. On the other hand, Nissan has also done a good job with the 370Z's chassis; delivering an on-road ride that's rough but soaking up to most bumps. Ultimately, the Nissan 370Z Nismo is about $41,990 making Subaru's STI a good alternative at $35,195.
