2011 Nissan 370Z vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan 370Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan 370Z would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 32 kg more than 2011 Nissan 370Z.
Because 2011 Nissan 370Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Nissan 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan 370Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan 370Z | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | 370Z | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 332 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4247 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1326 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 62 L |
