The age-old debate of Nissan Z versus Toyota Supra is reignited with the arrival of the 2023 Nissan Z. For decades, these two Japanese sports car icons have captivated enthusiasts with their blend of performance, style, and heritage. Now, facing off in the modern era, the question remains: which car emerges as the ultimate champion? Having spent considerable time behind the wheel of the new Nissan Z, and with familiarity with the Toyota Supra, let’s delve into a detailed comparison to determine which car deserves your garage space.
Styling Showdown: Retro Cool vs. Modern Edge
When it comes to curb appeal, both the Nissan Z and Toyota Supra make compelling statements, albeit in vastly different dialects. The Nissan Z is a masterclass in retro-futurism, seamlessly blending design cues from its illustrious predecessors, most notably the 300ZX, with a contemporary edge. In person, the Z’s styling truly shines. While online discussions often fixate on the front grille, experiencing it firsthand reveals a nuanced design. It’s not the gaping maw it appears to be in photos. Instead, the grille features distinct upper and lower sections, differentiated by dark grey and black finishes. A body-colored accent bar could further refine the front fascia, but overall, the Z’s face is far more appealing in reality than online renderings suggest.
The rear of the 2023 Z is arguably its most striking angle, echoing the beloved 300ZX. This marks a significant departure from the somewhat ungainly rear designs of the 350Z and 370Z, which many found bulbous and lacking in definition. The new Z’s rear is beautifully sculpted and instantly recognizable, demanding a second look every time you walk away. The Z’s profile is equally captivating. The sleek, tapering roofline flowing into the rear, the short overhang, and the long, commanding hood create a classic sports car silhouette that is both elegant and athletic.
Nissan Z Rear Quarter View Showcasing Tapering Roofline and Rear Design
In contrast, the Toyota Supra adopts a more overtly modern and arguably busier design language. While undeniably eye-catching with its wide hips, long hood, and distinctive ducktail spoiler, the Supra can appear over-styled to some. The abundance of faux vents detracts from the purity of form that defines the Z’s elegance. The Supra’s front end, often referred to as a “bird’s beak,” is also a point of contention for some enthusiasts. Parked side-by-side, the Supra’s flamboyant design might initially draw more attention, but the Nissan Z’s understated athleticism and timeless appeal have a lasting allure.
Toyota Supra Side Profile Showing Long Hood and Ducktail Spoiler
Interior Comfort and Design: Openness vs. Cockpit Feel
Stepping inside, the Nissan Z immediately feels more spacious and airy compared to the Toyota Supra’s cockpit-like environment. Where the Supra can feel somewhat claustrophobic, the Z offers a sense of openness that is particularly welcome for daily driving. Even for someone accustomed to smaller sports cars, the Z’s cabin provides a refreshing sense of roominess. The numbers back this up, with the Nissan Z offering slightly more interior volume than the Supra. Practicality also favors the Z, as demonstrated by the ability to install a child safety seat in the Z – a testament to its more accommodating design.
Nissan Z Interior View Showcasing Blue Leather Seats and Horizontal Screen
The interior design of the Z emphasizes a wide and driver-focused layout. The horizontal infotainment screen, the trio of gauge pods perched above it, and the horizontal blue accents (in certain trims) contribute to this expansive feel. Speaking of color, the blue interior option in our test Z is certainly bold. The combination of blue leather and synthetic suede creates a striking contrast with the pearl white exterior and black dash and flooring. While the blue might be polarizing, Nissan offers red and black interior options for those seeking a more subdued aesthetic.
Nissan Z Dashboard and Gauge Cluster View
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Track Weapon vs. Daily Fun
Moving to the heart of the matter – performance – the Toyota Supra demonstrably holds an edge in outright track prowess. While track testing the Z wasn’t part of this evaluation, experience with both cars on the road and track suggests the Supra is the sharper tool for ultimate performance. The Supra benefits from its co-development with BMW, leveraging German engineering and chassis refinement. Toyota’s “GR” sports car lineup, including the Supra and GR86, often involves partnerships to manage the high costs of low-volume sports car development.
Nissan, facing current financial constraints, took a different approach with the new Z. Instead of a ground-up redesign, Nissan ingeniously evolved the existing platform, tracing its lineage back to the 350Z. The Z’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is a modified version of the engine found in the INFINITI Q60 Red Sport, while the Supra boasts a BMW-sourced inline-six.
Nissan Z Engine Bay View Showcasing Twin-Turbo V6
On paper, the Nissan Z delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft of torque. While the horsepower figure is impressive, the torque delivery feels perhaps a bit lower than expected, contributing to the Z’s playful, tail-happy nature. This characteristic is likely amplified by the Bridgestone Potenza tires, which, while capable, don’t offer the same level of grip as the Michelin Pilot tires found on performance-oriented Supras. The Z’s traction control system allows for just enough rear-wheel slip to inject fun into everyday driving before gently intervening to maintain composure. However, mastering this balance on a track with traction control fully disabled would require acclimatization, especially for less experienced drivers.
Nissan Z Wheel and Bridgestone Potenza Tire Close-Up
The six-speed manual gearbox in our Z tester, while functional, isn’t the most refined unit. A recurring complaint, echoed by multiple drivers, centers on the reverse lockout mechanism. Engaging reverse requires an unnatural downward push of the shifter before selecting “R,” positioned far right and down. This design quirk creates a potential stumble point when quickly shifting from fourth to fifth gear, as the gate to reverse remains somewhat accessible, potentially causing momentary hesitation if the shifter is pushed too far right during the 4-5 shift. While familiar shift patterns might mitigate this over time, it’s an unusual sensation that takes getting used to.
Nissan Z Manual Gear Shifter and Interior Console View
Initially, the Nissan Z might seem to have shortcomings compared to the more technologically advanced Supra. However, extended time with the Z reveals a compelling character that transcends mere specifications. There’s an undeniable charm and personality to the Z that resonates, recalling a time when driving enjoyment prioritized engagement over sheer numbers. The slightly less grippy tires and readily accessible power make even mundane errands entertaining, while the gearbox quirk becomes less of an issue in everyday driving scenarios.
Nissan Z Driving on Open Road Landscape
2023 Nissan Z Specs:
| Feature | Nissan Z | Toyota Supra (3.0L) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Twin Turbocharged V6 | 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 400 HP | 382 HP |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 9-Speed Auto | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 4.5 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| Passenger Volume | 51.4 Cubic Feet | 50.9 Cubic Feet |
| Storage Space | 6.9 Cubic Feet | 10.2 Cubic Feet |
| Starting Price | $40,990 | $52,500 |
Note: Supra specs are for the 3.0L variant for a fair comparison.
Nissan Z Spec Sheet Infographic
Daily Driver Delight vs. Track Day Dominator
In conclusion, the Toyota Supra emerges as the sharper, more focused track weapon, excelling in outright performance and precision. However, the Nissan Z counters with a more engaging and enjoyable daily driving experience. Think of the Supra as a scalpel – precise, refined, and purpose-built for carving corners with ultimate precision. The Nissan Z, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of a machete – raw, fun, and capable of tackling everyday driving with a grin-inducing character.
Nissan Z and Toyota Supra Side-by-Side Comparison
While the Supra might be the preferred choice for weekend track enthusiasts seeking maximum performance, the Nissan Z presents a compelling case as the more desirable everyday sports car. Its more spacious cabin, forgiving driving dynamics, and undeniable personality make it a car you’d eagerly choose for daily commutes and weekend adventures alike. If forced to live with only one, the Nissan Z, with its blend of retro charm and modern fun, would be the top pick for daily driving thrills.
