2025 Nissan Z vs 2025 Subaru BRZ

$42,970 · Coupe

$33,210 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Nissan Z and the 2025 Subaru BRZ lies in performance metrics, headlined by the Nissan Z's substantial 400 hp versus the BRZ's 228 hp, a difference of 172 horsepower. This power gap is reflected in their respective torque figures: 350 lb-ft for the Z compared to 184 lb-ft for the BRZ. Financially, the 2025 Nissan Z commands an MSRP of $42,970, creating a $9,760 premium over the BRZ's entry price of $33,210. Fuel efficiency shows a slight advantage for the smaller BRZ, achieving 22 combined MPG against the Z's 20 combined MPG, although both require premium unleaded fuel for their RWD 6-speed manual setups. Dimensionally, the Z is longer at 172.4 inches, offering a broader stance than the BRZ's 167.9 inches in length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ wins for commuting due to its superior efficiency, netting 22 combined MPG versus the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru BRZ

Neither vehicle is practical for families, but the BRZ is marginally better due to its inclusion of 6.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Z

The 2025 Nissan Z is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, offering 400 hp compared to the BRZ's 228 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ provides superior financial value, costing $9,760 less while still offering a dedicated RWD experience.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

Raw performance is the top priority, as the Nissan Z delivers 400 horsepower.
A preference exists for a larger chassis measuring 172.4 inches in length.
Budget allows for the $42,970 MSRP and the acceptance of 20 combined MPG is acceptable.

Choose the Subaru BRZ if...

Achieving 22 combined MPG is important for daily operation.
The total purchase price must remain under $34,000 (MSRP of $33,210).
The driver prioritizes the lower torque figure of 184 lb-ft in exchange for lower running costs.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Z	Subaru BRZ
Length	172.4"	167.9"
Width	72.6"	69.9"
Height	51.8"	51.6"
Wheelbase	100.4"	101.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	400 hp @ 6400 rpm	228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	264.0/356.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
USB Port	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.2 in.	53.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	52.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Rear Head Room	—	33.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	29.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	51.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	45.2 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 9.0 in.	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	245/45R	215/45R

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Z and 2025 Subaru BRZ.

What is the exact difference in horsepower between the 2025 Nissan Z and the 2025 Subaru BRZ?

The 2025 Nissan Z produces 400 horsepower, which is 172 more than the 2025 Subaru BRZ's output of 228 horsepower. This significant power disparity is the primary difference between the two RWD coupes.

Which coupe is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The Subaru BRZ is more efficient, achieving 22 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway). The Nissan Z trails slightly with a 20 combined MPG rating (18 city/24 highway).

How much more expensive is the base model 2025 Nissan Z compared to the 2025 Subaru BRZ?

The Nissan Z carries an MSRP of $42,970, making it $9,760 pricier than the Subaru BRZ, which starts at $33,210.

Are the transmissions in these models identical?

Both base models feature a 6-speed manual transmission and are exclusively offered in rear-wheel drive configurations. They both also recommend or require premium unleaded fuel.

Does the increased size of the Nissan Z translate to usable storage space?

The Nissan Z is physically longer at 172.4 inches, but the specification sheet only provides cargo capacity data for the BRZ, which is 6.3 cubic feet. The Z does not list a comparable cargo figure.

Which car offers better low-end grunt?

The 2025 Nissan Z offers significantly better low-end performance, rated at 350 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the BRZ's 184 lb-ft of torque.