2025 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Nissan Z

$31,920 · Coupe

$42,970 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Mustang and the 2025 Nissan Z is the $11,050 MSRP gap, with the Mustang starting at $31,920 versus the Z's $42,970 entry price. Despite the price disparity, the Nissan Z asserts dominance in power, offering 400 hp compared to the Mustang's 315 hp, although both achieve 350 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy heavily favors the Mustang, achieving a combined 26 MPG versus the Z's 20 MPG, translating to 33 highway MPG for the Ford against the Nissan's 24 highway MPG. Dimensionally, the Mustang is longer at 189.4 inches, while the Z is slightly more compact. The standard transmissions also differ significantly: the Mustang utilizes a 10-speed automatic, whereas the Z focuses on driver engagement with a standard 6-speed manual.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Mustang

The 2025 Mustang offers substantially better fuel efficiency with 26 combined MPG compared to the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Mustang

The Mustang provides a larger cargo capacity at 13.5 cu ft and a significantly lower entry price point for budget-conscious buyers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Z

The Nissan Z delivers superior performance credentials with 400 horsepower, significantly more than the Mustang's 315 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Mustang

The Mustang provides 315 hp for a starting price of $31,920, representing a lower cost per horsepower metric than the Z.

Choose the Ford Mustang if...

Fuel economy is a high priority, as the Mustang achieves 26 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 combined MPG.
You require a lower initial purchase cost, evidenced by the $31,920 MSRP compared to the Z's $42,970.
You prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission, as the Mustang comes standard with a 10-speed unit.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

Maximum performance is desired, due to the Z's superior 400 horsepower output.
You prefer traditional driver control, as the Z comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.
A smaller, more nimble footprint is preferred, evidenced by the Z's 172.4-inch length versus the Mustang's 189.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Mustang	Nissan Z
Length	189.4"	172.4"
Width	75.4"	72.6"
Height	55.0"	51.8"
Wheelbase	107.0"	100.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	315 hp @ 5500 rpm	400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	350 lb-ft @ 3000 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	Ford	Nissan
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/33 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/528.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Nissan
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	8.0 in
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Front Head Room	37.6 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	54.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.9 in.	54.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Rear Head Room	34.8 in.	—
Rear Leg Room	29.0 in.	—
Rear Shoulder Room	52.2 in.	—
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 9.0 in.
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	235/50R18	245/45R

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2025 Nissan Z.

What is the primary difference in power output between the 2025 Mustang and the 2025 Nissan Z?

The 2025 Nissan Z produces 400 horsepower, which is 85 hp more than the 2025 Ford Mustang's 315 horsepower rating. However, both vehicles match each other exactly on torque output at 350 lb-ft.

How significant is the fuel economy difference for daily driving?

The Mustang is notably more efficient, offering 26 combined MPG (22 city/33 highway), while the Nissan Z returns 20 combined MPG (18 city/24 highway). This 6 MPG difference heavily favors the Mustang for commuters concerned with fuel expenditures.

Does either car offer significantly more utility based on provided cargo space?

Yes, the 2025 Ford Mustang offers 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity. The specifications provided for the 2025 Nissan Z do not list cargo capacity, suggesting the Mustang provides more measurable utility.

Which vehicle has a higher starting price (MSRP)?

The 2025 Nissan Z has a significantly higher starting MSRP of $42,970. In contrast, the 2025 Ford Mustang begins at a much lower entry point of $31,920, creating an $11,050 price differential.

What are the standard transmission types for these coupes?

The 2025 Ford Mustang features a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission as standard equipment. The 2025 Nissan Z prioritizes enthusiast engagement by including a 6-speed manual transmission as standard.

Are these vehicles similarly sized in exterior dimensions?

No, the Mustang is longer overall at 189.4 inches compared to the Z's 172.4 inches, making the Z slightly shorter. The Mustang is also wider (75.4 inches vs. 72.6 inches) and taller (55.0 inches vs. 51.8 inches).