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2024 Subaru BRZ vs Nissan Z: Which is Better?
The Subaru BRZ embodies sports car aspirations lightweight, agile, and affordable, sharing its essence with the Toyota GR86. Its 228-hp 2.4L flat-four engine and manual transmission create a spirited driving experience, complemented by practical features like rear seats and ample trunk space. While not luxurious, the driver-focused interior integrates modern technology for enjoyable daily drives. In contrast, the Nissan Z, with a storied history since 1969, blends nostalgia and modernity. Its 400-hp twin-turbo V6 engine, reminiscent of the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, offers a choice between manual or automatic transmissions, except for the NISMO Z variant, exclusively featuring a nine-speed automatic. The new Z revives iconic design elements, delivering driving pleasure with improved interior comforts such as better seats, an enlarged infotainment screen, and a telescoping steering wheel.
| Subaru BRZ | Nissan Z | |
| Dimensions | 167.9 in x 69.9 in x 51.6 in | 173.2 in x 73.6 in x 51.8 in |
| Engine | 2.4L NA flat-4 | 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 384 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.4 sec | 4.1 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 13.6 sec | 9.6 sec |
| Top-Speed | 140 mph | 155 mph |
Subaru BRZ
Engine & Performance
The BRZ packs a naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four engine, churning out 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a choice of either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality leans towards the firm side, adding to the car’s playful nature. Each model comes with a standard limited-slip rear differential. With the Premium variant sporting 17-inch wheels, and the higher-performance Limited rocking 18 inches. The top-tier tS trim takes it up a notch with a specially tuned suspension system and upgraded brakes. Contributing to an overall enhancement in road manners.
Price & Mileage
The Subaru BRZ kicks off at $31,315 for the Premium, reaching $36,465 for the top-tier tS variant. Opting for the Limited, priced in between, gets you appealing additions like 18-inch aluminium wheels, summer tires, and blind-spot monitoring. According to EPA estimates, the most fuel-efficient BRZ is the automatic transmission model. Boasting 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For those who prefer the six-speed manual, the estimates are slightly lower. Coming in at 20 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg for highway cruising.
Acceleration & Features
The 2.4L engine in the BRZ shows more responsiveness compared to the previous 2.0L model. Although it doesn’t turn the BRZ into the speediest car in town. Nevertheless, it notably enhances acceleration times. In the case of the Subaru BRZ tested with the manual transmission, it hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. Almost a whole second quicker than the previous-gen BRZ tS. Each BRZ is equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard. Serving as the command centre for its infotainment system. The display, fortunately, doesn’t rely solely on touch inputs. It includes physical knobs for volume and tuning functions, along with several hard buttons. The system comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to SiriusXM satellite radio.
Nissan Z
Engine & Performance
Similar to its formidable counterpart, the Nissan GT-R, the Z boasts a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. However, rather than the ferocious 565-hp 3.8L found in the GT-R, the Z opts for a 400-hp 3.0L powerplant, delivering 350 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Z NISMO takes it up a notch with 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The power boost is complemented by larger brake discs, a firmer suspension, and enhanced chassis rigidity. For the NISMO version, Nissan switches out the Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires for Dunlop Sport MAXX GT600 tires.
Price & Mileage
For the Nissan Z, we’d opt for the middle-of-the-road Z Performance trim, which brings a sportier suspension tune, a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, and power-adjustable seats with faux-suede upholstery. Starting at $43,305 for the Sport variant, the Z lineup climbs up to $66,085 for the NISMO. According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient Z is the one equipped with the automatic transmission, boasting a rating of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Opting for the manual slightly reduces these numbers to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Surprisingly, the 420-hp Z NISMO, despite its extra horsepower and weight, doesn’t stray too far from the normal Z, earning EPA-estimated ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Acceleration & Features
The turbo six gives the RWD Z a lot of zip, but the manual-transmission car hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, well behind the Supra. With the nine-speed automatic, it was able to get the Z to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Nissan has brought the Z into the twenty-first century with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment display (a 9.0-inch unit with navigation is optional), a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A six-speaker stereo is standard but audiophiles can upgrade to an optional premium audio arrangement engineered by Bose. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot is also available.