2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and the 2026 Nissan Z is the 120 horsepower deficit the Alfa holds (280 hp vs. the Z's 400 hp). Conversely, the Giulia exhibits superior fuel economy, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating compared to the Nissan Z's 20 MPG combined, resulting in a 7 MPG advantage for the sedan. Priced nearly identically, the Giulia starts at an MSRP of $43,995 while the Z is listed at $42,970. The Giulia also provides greater utility, being 10.1 inches longer at 182.5 inches compared to the Z's 172.4 inches. Despite the power disparity, both vehicles demand premium fuel, though the Z only recommends it. The standard transmission also differs significantly, with the Giulia featuring an 8-speed automatic versus the Z's standard 6-speed manual transmission, impacting driver engagement metrics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia wins for commuting due to its 27 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Nissan Z's 20 MPG.
2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia
As a sedan with greater length (182.5 inches) and likely easier ingress/egress than the lower coupe, the Giulia is superior for family use.
2026 Nissan Z
The 2026 Nissan Z offers substantially more power with 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired with a manual transmission.
2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Although marginally more expensive ($43,995 vs $42,970), the Giulia's significantly better 27 MPG rating provides better long-term operational value.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Giulia if...
- Your priority is fuel efficiency, as the Giulia delivers 27 MPG combined versus 20 MPG for the Z.
- You require the convenience of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for daily driving.
- You need the slightly larger footprint provided by the Giulia's 182.5-inch overall length.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Maximum performance is desired, highlighted by the Z's 400 horsepower output.
- You prefer the direct driver control offered by the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You are prioritizing torque, as the Z produces 350 lb-ft versus the Giulia's 306 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Giulia | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.5" | 172.4" |
| Width | 73.7" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.5" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 367.2/504.9 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2026 Nissan Z.
Which vehicle offers better acceleration based on published specifications?
While official 0-60 mph times are not provided, the 2026 Nissan Z possesses a 120 horsepower advantage (400 hp vs. 280 hp) and more torque (350 lb-ft vs. 306 lb-ft), suggesting superior acceleration capabilities.
How does the required fuel type affect long-term running costs?
Both require premium fuel, but the Giulia mandates it while the Z only recommends it. However, the Giulia's 27 MPG combined efficiency will drastically offset fuel costs compared to the Z's 20 MPG combined rating.
Is the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia a practical family vehicle?
Compared to the two-door Nissan Z coupe, the Giulia sedan offers better dimensions and a more usable shape for passengers and cargo, confirmed by its superior width (73.7 inches) and height (56.5 inches).
What is the main difference in driving dynamics between the two?
The key difference lies in the transmission; the Giulia uses an 8-speed automatic, whereas the Nissan Z features a 6-speed manual, which caters to more engaged, enthusiast-focused driving.
Given the similar MSRPs, where does the value proposition shift?
Value shifts based on priority: the Giulia offers better fuel value and inherent sedan utility, while the Z offers superior performance value for only $1,025 less at base MSRP.
How much shorter is the Nissan Z compared to the Alfa Romeo Giulia?
The 2026 Nissan Z is 172.4 inches long, making it 10.1 inches shorter than the 182.5-inch long 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool