2025 Nissan Z vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Z explodes onto the scene as the definitive performance choice, boasting a potent 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque channeled exclusively through its rear-wheel-drive platform. Contrastingly, the 2025 Subaru WRX offers accessible agility with its standard all-wheel-drive system and a robust 271 hp output, even if it trails the Z in raw power. While the Z is the sharper instrument with its lower 51.8-inch height and pure coupe form, the WRX offers practicality with its 12.5 cu ft of sedan cargo space. The pricing gap is significant: the WRX starts at $37,750, undercutting the Z's $42,970 MSRP by $5,220. For those prioritizing sheer acceleration and aggressive looks, the Z’s 129 hp advantage speaks volumes, but the WRX answers with superior fuel efficiency at 22 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 combined MPG, making it a daily-drivable powerhouse.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy (22 combined MPG) and all-wheel-drive security in poor weather.
2025 Subaru WRX
The WRX is the clear choice for families as it is a sedan with usable cargo capacity (12.5 cu ft), unlike the two-seater Nissan Z coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z takes the enthusiast crown with its commanding 400 hp and dedicated rear-wheel-drive configuration built for spirited driving.
2025 Subaru WRX
The WRX offers superior foundational performance and usability while undercutting the Z's price by $5,220.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- You demand maximum acceleration, thanks to the 400 hp engine.
- You prefer the classic sports car layout of a rear-wheel-drive coupe.
- You value bold, distinctive styling over everyday practicality.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You need year-round confidence provided by the standard all-wheel-drive system.
- You are looking to save $5,220 on the initial purchase price.
- You require at least 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space for luggage or gear.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Z | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.4" | 183.8" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.9" |
| Height | 51.8" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 105.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
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 | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/24 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 16.6 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.2 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 54.1 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | — | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 49.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 9.0 in. | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/45R | 245/40R |
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 WRX.
How much more powerful is the Nissan Z compared to the WRX?
The 2025 Nissan Z delivers a significant performance advantage with 400 horsepower, which is 129 hp more than the 271 hp produced by the 2025 Subaru WRX. This power disparity makes the Z significantly quicker in straight-line performance.
Is the WRX more fuel-efficient for daily driving than the Z?
Yes, the Subaru WRX offers better efficiency, achieving 22 combined MPG compared to the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG. Both recommend premium fuel, but the WRX’s better mileage helps offset running costs.
Which vehicle is better for poor weather conditions?
The 2025 Subaru WRX is the superior choice for adverse conditions because it comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system. The Nissan Z is exclusively rear-wheel drive and generally suited for dry pavement.
How does the body style impact practicality between these two?
The WRX is a sedan, featuring a defined trunk with 12.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the Nissan Z is a two-door coupe focused purely on dynamics. Buyers needing passenger or cargo space should strongly favor the WRX.
What is the primary cost difference between the manual versions?
The 2025 Nissan Z commands a premium for its larger engine, starting at $42,970 for the manual transmission model. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru WRX with its 6-speed manual starts at a lower $37,750, saving buyers $5,220 upfront.
Are both cars available only with a manual transmission?
For this comparison, both vehicles are listed with the highly desirable 6-speed manual transmission as the feature specification. However, it is worth noting that buyers should verify if automatic options are available elsewhere, as this review focuses on the enthusiast-oriented manual versions.
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