The Battle of Japanese Sports Cars
The 2025 Nissan Z and Toyota GR Supra represent the pinnacle of accessible Japanese sports car performance. Both carry legendary nameplates with decades of heritage, and both deliver exhilarating driving experiences at relatively affordable price points. But which one deserves your garage space and hard-earned money?
This comprehensive comparison covers engine specs, design philosophy, interior quality, technology features, pricing, and real-world driving dynamics to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance Specifications
2025 Nissan Z
- • Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
- • Horsepower: 400 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- • Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1,600-5,600 rpm
- • Transmission: 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
- • 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds (auto) / 4.3 seconds (manual)
- • Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
- • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
2025 Toyota GR Supra
- • Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (B58)
- • Horsepower: 382 hp @ 5,800-6,500 rpm
- • Torque: 368 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
- • Transmission: 8-speed automatic (no manual option)
- • 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
- • Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
- • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Performance Winner: Slight edge to the Supra for 0-60 acceleration, but the Nissan Z offers more power and the joy of a manual transmission option.
Design and Styling
Nissan Z Design
The 2025 Z embraces retro-modern styling with clear nods to the iconic 240Z:
- • Long hood, short deck proportions
- • Square LED headlights reminiscent of the 240Z
- • Rectangular taillights paying homage to the 300ZX
- • Muscular, aggressive stance
- • More traditional sports car silhouette
Toyota GR Supra Design
The Supra takes a futuristic, exotic approach with BMW Z4 DNA:
- • Dramatically sculpted bodywork with complex curves
- • Low, wide, aggressive front fascia
- • Distinctive double-bubble roof
- • Functional aerodynamic elements throughout
- • More exotic, attention-grabbing presence
Design Winner: Subjective, but the Supra turns more heads while the Z offers more heritage appeal. The Supra looks more expensive than its price tag suggests.
Interior and Comfort
| Feature | Nissan Z | Toyota GR Supra |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2+2 (tight rear seats) | 2-seater only |
| Infotainment Screen | 9-inch touchscreen | 8.8-inch touchscreen |
| Digital Gauge Cluster | 12.3-inch TFT display | 12.3-inch TFT display |
| Interior Quality | Good, some hard plastics | Excellent, BMW-level fit/finish |
| Cargo Space | 7.0 cubic feet | 10.2 cubic feet |
Interior Winner: Toyota GR Supra for superior materials and build quality, though the Nissan Z offers more versatility with its 2+2 configuration.
Technology and Features
Nissan Z Technology
- • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on Sport trim)
- • Bose premium audio system (Sport and Performance trims)
- • Nissan Safety Shield 360 (forward collision warning, emergency braking)
- • Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- • Launch control and multiple drive modes
Toyota GR Supra Technology
- • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired)
- • 12-speaker JBL premium audio system
- • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (adaptive cruise, lane departure)
- • Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- • Launch control, adaptive suspension (3.0 Premium trim)
- • Head-up display (available)
Driving Dynamics and Handling
Nissan Z
The Z delivers a more traditional GT sports car experience:
- • Slightly heavier (3,519 lbs) but well-balanced
- • Electronically adjustable suspension on Performance trim
- • Mechanical limited-slip differential standard
- • More compliant ride for daily driving
- • Engaging manual transmission option adds driver involvement
- • Predictable, confidence-inspiring handling
Toyota GR Supra
The Supra feels more like a precision instrument:
- • Lighter (3,397 lbs) with near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution
- • Adaptive suspension standard on 3.0 models
- • Active differential and sophisticated BMW chassis tuning
- • Firmer ride but incredible body control
- • Lightning-fast automatic transmission shifts
- • More communicative steering and sharper turn-in
Driving Dynamics Winner: Toyota GR Supra for pure driving precision and handling prowess, though the Nissan Z offers more everyday comfort and the option of rowing your own gears.
Pricing and Value
2025 Nissan Z Pricing
- • Sport: $42,970 (6MT) / $44,070 (9AT)
- • Performance: $52,220 (6MT) / $53,320 (9AT)
- • Performance Grade B: $56,520
2025 Toyota GR Supra Pricing
- • 2.0: $46,440 (4-cylinder, 255 hp)
- • 3.0: $55,250
- • 3.0 Premium: $58,885
- • A91-MT Edition: $65,835 (manual transmission)
Value Winner: Nissan Z offers more performance for less money, with the Sport manual starting at $42,970. The Supra's equivalent 3.0 model starts at $55,250, making the Z the better bang-for-buck choice.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Nissan Z
- • Proven VR30DDTT engine from Infiniti lineup
- • 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty
- • 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
- • More affordable parts and service through Nissan network
Toyota GR Supra
- • BMW B58 engine (very reliable, proven in multiple models)
- • 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty
- • 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
- • Higher maintenance costs due to BMW components
- • May require BMW specialist for certain repairs
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Nissan Z If:
- ✓ You want a manual transmission
- ✓ Better value/lower price is important
- ✓ You prefer retro-modern styling
- ✓ Want occasional rear seats (even if tight)
- ✓ Prefer more compliant daily driver comfort
- ✓ Lower maintenance costs matter
- ✓ You're a Nissan Z heritage enthusiast
Choose the Toyota GR Supra If:
- ✓ You prioritize ultimate handling precision
- ✓ Interior quality and materials matter
- ✓ You prefer exotic, head-turning styling
- ✓ Don't need rear seats
- ✓ Want the most refined driving experience
- ✓ Okay with automatic-only transmission
- ✓ BMW engineering appeals to you
The Final Verdict
Both cars are exceptional sports cars that deliver thrilling performance and driver engagement. You can't go wrong with either choice.
The Nissan Z wins on value, manual transmission availability, and heritage appeal. It's the better choice for enthusiasts who want to shift their own gears and appreciate its more affordable price point.
The Toyota GR Supra wins on handling dynamics, interior quality, and exotic presence. It's the better choice for those who prioritize ultimate driving precision and don't mind paying a premium for BMW-level engineering and materials.