2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity is the 72 horsepower deficit, with the 2026 Nissan Z delivering 400 hp compared to the 2025 Audi S3's 328 hp. This performance gap is reinforced by the Z's superior 350 lb-ft of torque versus the S3's 295 lb-ft. Conversely, the S3 offers a notable 6 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (26 MPG vs. 20 MPG), reflecting its AWD efficiency against the Z's RWD configuration. Pricing also shows a $5,730 divergence, with the S3 retailing for $48,700 and the Z at $42,970. Dimensionally, the S3 is longer at 177.4 inches, while the Z is significantly lower, measuring 51.8 inches in height. The S3 provides 8.3 cu ft of cargo space, a metric the coupe format of the Z does not match.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 wins for commuting due to its superior 26 combined MPG and mandatory all-wheel drive system.
2025 Audi S3
The S3 is the only viable option as the sedan body style and 8.3 cu ft of cargo space better suit family transport needs than the two-seat coupe.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 400 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z offers significantly more power (400 hp vs 328 hp) while costing $5,730 less than the Audi S3.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You require an everyday efficiency rating of 31 highway MPG.
- You prefer the stability and year-round traction of standard all-wheel drive.
- You need the practical utility afforded by the sedan body style and 8.3 cu ft of cargo.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Your priority is maximum performance, evidenced by 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- You seek a lower initial purchase price of $42,970.
- You specifically desire the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2026 Nissan Z.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2026 Nissan Z?
The Audi S3 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, optimizing traction. Conversely, the Nissan Z uses a traditional rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission for a purer sports car feel.
How significant is the fuel economy difference, and what fuel does each require?
The S3 is substantially more efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG, while the Z manages 20 combined MPG. Both require premium unleaded fuel, though the S3 mandates it while the Z only recommends it.
Which vehicle offers superior power output based on specifications?
The 2026 Nissan Z delivers a clear advantage in power, boasting 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Audi S3 is rated lower at 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
What is the price differential between these two models?
There is a $5,730 price gap, with the Audi S3 having an MSRP of $48,700. The Nissan Z is the more affordable option at $42,970.
How do the physical dimensions compare, particularly height and length?
The S3 sedan is slightly longer at 177.4 inches, whereas the Z coupe is lower, sitting at 51.8 inches compared to the S3’s 55.7 inches. The Z is also slightly wider at 72.6 inches.
Does the Audi S3 provide any tangible cargo advantage over the Nissan Z?
Yes, the Audi S3, being a sedan, offers 8.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Since the Nissan Z is a dedicated coupe, its cargo capacity specifications were not listed, implying less storage volume.
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