2025 Nissan Z vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$42,970 · Coupe

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Z grabs attention immediately with its raw, accessible sports car punch, boasting 400 hp channeled through a six-speed manual transmission, exhilarating enthusiasts who crave analog engagement. In stark contrast, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 offers refined, modern luxury in a sedan package, prioritizing efficiency and practicality over outright speed. While the Z is compact at 172.4 inches long, the CT5 is significantly larger at 193.8 inches. The power gap is immense: the Z whips out 400 hp compared to the CT5's 237 hp, though the Cadillac redeems itself with a robust 26 MPG combined, trouncing the Z’s 20 MPG combined rating. This comparison pits pure, RWD performance heritage against sophisticated, efficient daily usability, separated by a $5,630 difference in MSRP.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

As a larger sedan with more interior space, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 inherently serves families better than the tight 172.4-inch coupe footprint of the Nissan Z.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Z

The 2025 Nissan Z is the choice for enthusiasts, offering a massive 163 hp advantage and the engaging control of a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Z

The 2025 Nissan Z delivers 400 horsepower for only $42,970, providing superior performance bang-for-the-buck compared to the CT5.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

You demand maximum raw power, as the 2025 Nissan Z delivers 400 hp.
You insist on a classic three-pedal experience, as it features a 6-speed manual transmission.
You are seeking the lowest entry price point for a performance-oriented RWD vehicle at $42,970.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

Fuel savings are critical, given the CT5 achieves 32 MPG on the highway versus 24 MPG for the Z.
You frequently transport passengers or cargo, benefiting from the sedan body style over the coupe.
You prefer a larger vehicle, with the CT5 measuring 193.8 inches in length compared to the Z's 172.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Z	Cadillac CT5
Length	172.4"	193.8"
Width	72.6"	74.1"
Height	51.8"	57.2"
Wheelbase	100.4"	116.0"

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	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
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	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	15
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Cadillac
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.2 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	53.7 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: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	—	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 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	245/45R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 CT5.

Which car is significantly faster in a straight line?

The 2025 Nissan Z is significantly faster, boasting 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial 163 hp advantage over the 2026 Cadillac CT5's 237 hp output.

Is the fuel economy difference substantial between these two vehicles?

Yes, the difference is notable for daily driving: the CT5 achieves a 26 combined MPG rating, while the power-focused Nissan Z manages only 20 combined MPG, requiring premium unleaded fuel for both.

How does the transmission choice impact the driving experience?

The Nissan Z is exclusively offered with an engaging 6-speed manual, thrilling drivers who prefer direct control. Conversely, the CT5 utilizes a modern 10-speed shiftable automatic for smoother, efficiency-focused operation.

What is the price difference when comparing the base MSRPs?

There is a $5,630 gap between the two vehicles; the 2025 Nissan Z starts at $42,970, making it the more affordable option initially.

Which vehicle is better suited for navigating tight city environments?

The 2025 Nissan Z is physically smaller, measuring only 172.4 inches in length and 51.8 inches in height, which generally aids maneuverability over the larger, taller 2026 Cadillac CT5.