2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Nissan Z is the substantial 72 horsepower gap, with the Z generating 400 hp compared to the S3's 328 hp, coupled with 350 lb-ft of torque versus 295 lb-ft. This power advantage in the Z contrasts sharply with the S3's superior fuel economy; the Audi achieves a combined 26 MPG, outperforming the Z's 20 MPG combined rating by 6 miles per gallon. Pricewise, the S3 carries a premium MSRP of $48,700, while the Nissan Z starts at a lower $42,970. Further specification differences include the Audi's all-wheel drive sedan architecture (177.4 inches long) versus the Z's rear-wheel-drive coupe configuration (51.8 inches high). The S3 offers minimal cargo utility at 8.3 cu ft, while the Z's specs do not detail capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 wins for commuting due to its 26 combined MPG rating and more practical sedan body style.
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 is the only viable option as it is a sedan offering 8.3 cu ft of cargo space, compared to the two-seat Nissan Z coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 400 hp output and standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z provides 72 more horsepower for a price that is $5,730 less expensive than the Audi S3.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the S3 achieves 26 MPG combined versus the Z's 20 MPG.
- All-weather capability is required, benefiting from the S3's standard all-wheel drive system.
- A usable rear seat and 8.3 cu ft of dedicated cargo space are necessary features.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Maximum straight-line performance is desired, leveraging the Z's 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- A commitment to the traditional 6-speed manual transmission experience is a priority.
- A purchase price under $43,000 is preferred over higher initial investment.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 172.4" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.6" |
| Height | 55.7" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 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) | 23/31 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 36.6 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 245/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
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 S3 and 2025 Nissan Z.
Is the 2025 Audi S3 or Nissan Z more expensive to purchase?
The 2025 Audi S3 has a higher Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $48,700. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Z begins at $42,970, resulting in a $5,730 initial cost savings for the Nissan.
Which vehicle offers superior performance specifications?
The Nissan Z significantly outperforms the S3 in raw power, boasting 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Audi S3 is rated at 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel economy compare between the two models?
The Audi S3 is notably more efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway). The performance-focused Nissan Z returns 20 combined MPG (18 city/24 highway) and recommends premium fuel.
Can the Nissan Z be optioned with an automatic transmission?
Based on the provided specifications, the 2025 Nissan Z is listed exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2025 Audi S3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
What are the dimensional differences between the sedan and the coupe?
The S3 sedan is longer at 177.4 inches, while the Z coupe is significantly shorter in height at 51.8 inches compared to the S3's 55.7 inches. The Z is also slightly wider at 72.6 inches versus the S3’s 71.5 inches.
Do either of these vehicles require a specific fuel grade?
Yes, the 2025 Audi S3 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for operation. The 2025 Nissan Z's specifications indicate that premium unleaded is recommended, not strictly required.
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