2025 Audi A4 vs 2025 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2025 Nissan Z lies in power output, with the Z producing 400 hp compared to the A4's 261 hp—a 139 hp advantage. Conversely, the A4 leads substantially in efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 combined MPG. Priced closely at $44,100 (A4) and $42,970 (Z), the A4 offers 273 lb-ft of torque while the Z boasts 350 lb-ft. The Sedan body style of the A4 provides a more practical 12 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Z coupe prioritizes performance handling with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) versus the A4's standard All Wheel Drive (AWD). These differing priorities, evident in the 32 MPG highway rating for the A4 versus the Z's focus on performance metrics, define this comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A4
The 2025 Audi A4 is superior for commuting due to its 26 combined MPG and All-Wheel Drive stability compared to the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG and RWD setup.
2025 Audi A4
The Audi A4 wins this category by virtue of its Sedan body style offering 12 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is essential for family utility, while the Nissan Z is a restrictive coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The 2025 Nissan Z is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering a 400 hp output and 350 lb-ft of torque with a standard manual transmission.
2025 Nissan Z
For $1,130 less, the Nissan Z provides 139 more horsepower, representing a significantly better performance-to-cost ratio.
Choose the Audi A4 if...
- Your daily route requires better fuel economy, as evidenced by its 26 combined MPG rating.
- You require the year-round security and traction provided by its standard All Wheel Drive system.
- A more traditional four-door Sedan form factor with 12 cu ft of cargo space is necessary.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Maximum acceleration and performance are paramount, supported by its 400 hp engine.
- You prefer the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission over an automated manual.
- You are willing to accept 20 combined MPG in exchange for 350 lb-ft of torque and RWD dynamics.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A4 | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.7" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.2" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/32 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/489.6 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/40R H | 245/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 9.0 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 and 2025 Nissan Z.
How significant is the powertrain difference between these two vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Nissan Z produces 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 Audi A4 offers 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This 139 hp gap heavily favors the Z for outright acceleration.
Is the premium unleaded fuel requirement a major factor in ownership costs?
Yes, both vehicles require premium fuel, but the Audi A4 will cost less to fuel given its superior efficiency rating of 26 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 combined MPG.
Which vehicle is more practical for carrying passengers and gear?
The Audi A4 is the practical choice, being a sedan with 12 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Nissan Z is a two-seat coupe with limited utility due to its smaller 172.4-inch length.
What is the primary mechanical difference in terms of drivetrain?
The Audi A4 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission for optimized traction and smoothness. In contrast, the Nissan Z features a traditional Rear Wheel Drive layout linked exclusively to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Is the price difference enough to sway a buyer away from the Audi A4?
The MSRP difference is minimal, with the A4 costing $1,130 more than the Z ($44,100 vs $42,970). Buyers must weigh this small premium against the A4's AWD and superior MPG ratings versus the Z's significant power advantage.
Do the exterior dimensions affect usability?
The Nissan Z is noticeably smaller, being over 15 inches shorter in length (172.4 inches vs 187.5 inches for the A4) and 4.4 inches lower in height (51.8 inches vs 56.2 inches), reflecting its focus on compact, performance-oriented dimensions.
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