2025 Nissan Z vs 2026 Cadillac CT4
Comparison Overview
Choosing between pure sports car thrills and sophisticated daily driving often leaves buyers scratching their heads. If you're debating between the raw excitement of the 2025 Nissan Z and the polished handling of the 2026 Cadillac CT4, the numbers offer clear guidance. The Nissan Z commands attention with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission for driving purists. However, this performance comes at a cost: the Z starts at $42,970, nearly $7,370 more than the CT4's $35,600 base price. Efficiency is also a major divergence, as the Z manages only 20 combined MPG, whereas the sleeker sedan achieves 26 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Z is significantly smaller and lower, measuring 51.8 inches in height compared to the CT4's 56.0 inches, reflecting its dedicated coupe focus versus the CT4's more practical sedan dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Nissan Z's 20 MPG.
2026 Cadillac CT4
As a sedan with usable rear seats and better fuel economy, the CT4 is inherently more practical for family duties than the two-seat Z coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z is the enthusiast choice, delivering significantly more power with 400 hp and offering a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Cadillac CT4
The CT4 offers excellent RWD dynamics and efficiency for $7,370 less than the starting price of the Nissan Z.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- You prioritize maximum power, opting for the 400 horsepower engine in the Nissan Z.
- You insist on full driver engagement provided only by the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prefer a compact, low-slung sports coupe stance (172.4 inches long and only 51.8 inches tall).
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- Saving money is key, as the CT4 has a base MSRP that is $7,370 lower than the Z.
- You drive frequently and want to save at the pump, benefiting from 26 combined MPG.
- You need a slightly larger cabin footprint, evidenced by the CT4’s taller 56.0-inch height and sedan body style.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Z | Cadillac CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.4" | 187.2" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.4" |
| Height | 51.8" | 56.0" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 109.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/24 MPG | 22/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 374.0/544.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 17.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.2 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | — | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 33.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 53.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 9.0 in. | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | ✓ |
| Tire Size | 245/45R | P225/45R17 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Z and 2026 Cadillac CT4.
Is the 2025 Nissan Z impractical for long road trips?
The Z’s 20 combined MPG means more frequent stops for premium fuel compared to the Cadillac CT4's 26 combined MPG. Additionally, being a dedicated coupe, passenger and cargo space (no stated capacity) will be more limited than the CT4 sedan.
How much more powerful is the Nissan Z than the Cadillac CT4?
The Nissan Z is substantially more potent, boasting 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant 163 hp advantage over the CT4's 237 horsepower rating.
Which car is better if I want a manual transmission?
The 2025 Nissan Z comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, perfectly aligning with purist driving desires. The 2026 Cadillac CT4 exclusively features an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
What is the price difference between the two base models?
There is a substantial $7,370 difference in entry cost; the 2026 Cadillac CT4 starts at $35,600, while the 2025 Nissan Z begins at $42,970.
Does the Cadillac CT4 offer usable storage space?
Yes, the CT4 sedan offers 10.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, giving it an advantage over the Nissan Z coupe, which does not list comparable dedicated storage figures.
Are both cars rear-wheel drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Z and the 2026 Cadillac CT4 utilize a rear-wheel drive platform, offering similar fundamental dynamic layouts despite their different missions.
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