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Nissan Z Nismo VS BMW M2: What to Choose?
Nissan has released a YouTube video showcasing a new version of the Z sports car, called the Nissan Nismo Z. The video features champion drifter Chris Forsberg showcasing impressive drifts. Updates include new wheels, a redesigned spoiler, an attractive front bumper, and distinctive red accents. The Nismo version might also have new Recaro bucket seats. The BMW M2, based on the regular 2-series, takes the car’s already impressive performance to a new level. It retains rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, preserving the enjoyable driving experience of its predecessor. The new M2 boasts advanced technology like BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system and digital dashboard. It also offers various driver-assistance features. With its outstanding performance and abundant standard features, the M2 is poised to excel both on the track and as an exhilarating daily driver.
| Nissan Z Nismo | BMW M2 | |
| Dimensions | 172.4 in x 72.6 in x 51.8 in (est) | 180.3 in x 74.3 in x 55.2 in |
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 | 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 500 hp (est) | 453 hp |
| Torque | NA | 406 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | ≤ 4.3 sec | 3.6–3.8 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | ≤ 9.8 sec | 9.0–9.2 sec |
| Top-Speed | ≥ 155 mph | 155–177 mph |
Nissan Z Nismo
Engine, Power & Performance
The Nissan Z, much like its powerful sibling, the GT-R, boasts a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. However, unlike the GT-R’s ferocious 565-hp 3.8-liter engine, the Z is equipped with a 400-hp 3.0-liter engine sourced from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. It offers the choice between a six-speed manual and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Nissan remains committed to rear-wheel drive exclusively for the Z. The turbocharged six-cylinder engine provides the Z with impressive acceleration, although the manual variant takes 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, placing it slightly behind the Supra. On the other hand, the Z equipped with the nine-speed automatic achieves the 0-60 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds.
Price & Features
The pricing details for the upcoming 2024 Z models have not been disclosed yet. However, looking at the base prices of last year’s lineup, which ranged from $42,085 to $55,085, we anticipate that the NISMO variant will start in the affordable range of low-to-mid $60,000s. Nissan has successfully modernized the Z by equipping it with contemporary features such as an 8.0-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, bringing it up to speed with the technology of the twenty-first century.
BMW M2
Engine, Power & Performance
The M2 boasts an impressive powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. It generates a staggering 453 horsepower and 406 pound-ft of torque. While it has 20 fewer horsepower than the standard engine found in M3s and M4s, its torque output remains the same. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all M2 models, and buyers have the option to choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the optional eight-speed automatic, the M2 is estimated to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Price & Features
We’re passionate about manual transmissions, so we would choose the standard six-speed manual over the slightly pricier eight-speed automatic. If we want a higher top speed of 177 mph instead of 155 mph, we might consider adding the M Driver’s Package. Apart from that, the M2 already comes with all the essential features we believe a true driver’s car should have. The starting price of the M2 is $63,195.