2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2025 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class captivates with its sleek, coupe-like sedan styling and admirable efficiency, boasting 30 combined MPG, while the 2025 Nissan Z unleashes raw, intoxicating performance from its RWD platform. The CLA delivers 221 hp and achieves 36 highway MPG, perfect for the efficiency-minded driver commuting daily from its $44,400 starting price. Conversely, the Z screams pure sportscar joy with a potent 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, albeit at a penalty of just 20 combined MPG and requiring a mere $42,970 MSRP investment. This battle pits Mercedes-Benz's accessible luxury and respectable FWD handling against Nissan's rear-wheel-drive, manual-transmission muscle car philosophy, evident in their substantial 179 hp divergence.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG and more practical sedan layout compared to the Z's thirstier performance focus.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-Class, being a four-door sedan with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, is significantly more accommodating for passengers than the strictly two-seat Nissan Z coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z offers overwhelming power with 400 hp and the engaging experience of a 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z provides significantly more performance horsepower, 400 hp versus 221 hp, for a lower starting MSRP of $42,970.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel economy and can utilize the excellent 36 highway MPG rating.
- You require a vehicle with four doors and a more accessible entry point at $44,400.
- You prefer the stability and predicted efficiency of front-wheel drive (FWD) in an automated manual setup.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- You demand explosive acceleration supported by 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- You crave the visceral connection provided by a 6-speed manual transmission paired with rear-wheel drive.
- You are looking for the maximum performance potential for a starting price under $43,000.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.7" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid 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 Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2025 Nissan Z.
How significant is the performance gap between the two models?
The gap is substantial; the 2025 Nissan Z produces 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, which dwarfs the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers a better experience for daily city driving?
The CLA-Class is better suited for daily commuting, offering 26 city MPG compared to the Z's 18 city MPG, making it far less demanding on fuel for stop-and-go traffic.
Does the Mercedes CLA-Class require special fuel?
Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 221 hp engine to operate correctly.
Can the Nissan Z accommodate more than two people?
No, the 2025 Nissan Z is a dedicated two-door coupe, lacking the family-friendly configuration and cargo capacity (11.6 cu ft in the CLA) offered by the four-door CLA-Class.
What is the difference in drivetrain layout and transmission type?
The CLA-Class utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an 8-speed automated manual, whereas the Z features a classic rear-wheel-drive setup paired with an engaging 6-speed manual transmission.
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