2025 Nissan Z vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Z fires a passionate broadside with its roaring 400 hp and traditional rear-wheel-drive, 6-speed manual experience, offering raw thrills starting at $42,970. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA captivates with sophisticated design, achieving a stellar 30 MPG combined from its front-wheel-drive platform, priced enticingly close at $42,750. This showdown pits brute force against efficiency; the Z unleashes 179 more horsepower, but the CLA counters with a significant 10 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy. While the Z is compact at 172.4 inches long and focuses purely on performance, the longer, taller CLA offers sedan practicality, albeit with considerably less torque at 258 lb-ft compared to the Z's 350 lb-ft punch. Buyers must weigh visceral engagement against refined, economical daily usability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the winner as its sedan body style offers greater practicality and presumably better ingress/egress than the low-slung Nissan Z coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The 2025 Nissan Z appeals directly to enthusiasts with its 400 hp, RWD layout, and engagement-focused 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Despite similar MSRPs, the CLA offers better long-term value due to its substantial 10 MPG fuel efficiency lead.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- You prioritize maximum performance, boasting 400 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp.
- You demand the tactile feedback of a traditional 6-speed manual transmission paired with rear-wheel drive.
- You prefer a more compact, aggressive sports coupe design (172.4 inches long).
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the CLA achieves 36 MPG highway compared to the Z's 24 MPG highway.
- You need the convenience of an automated manual transmission paired with FWD for predictable daily driving.
- You require slightly more utility, as the CLA offers 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Z | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.4" | 184.6" |
| Width | 72.6" | 72.0" |
| Height | 51.8" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/24 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| USB Port | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.2 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 9.0 in. | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R | 225/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Z and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary mechanical difference impacting the driving feel between these two cars?
The Nissan Z is rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 400 hp engine, focusing on traditional sports car handling and power delivery. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is front-wheel drive (FWD) with 221 hp, optimizing for traction and everyday efficiency.
How significant is the cost difference beyond the initial MSRP?
While MSRPs are nearly identical ($42,970 vs $42,750), the Nissan Z requires premium unleaded fuel, while the CLA mandates it, but the Z's 20 MPG combined will necessitate far more frequent stops than the CLA's 30 MPG combined figure.
Is the Mercedes CLA really a family car compared to the Nissan Z?
Yes, the CLA is classified as a sedan and is physically larger, standing 56.7 inches tall with 11.6 cu ft of storage. The Z is a shorter, lower coupe (51.8 inches high) that is far less accommodating for passengers or luggage.
Which car offers a more engaging transmission experience?
The Nissan Z offers a pure 6-speed manual, which driving enthusiasts often prefer for total control. The Mercedes CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual for quicker, though less involving, gear changes.
Is the horsepower gap between the two vehicles very noticeable in real-world driving?
The 179 hp difference is substantial; the Z delivers 350 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly quicker in straight-line acceleration than the CLA's 258 lb-ft output.
How does the overall footprint (length and width) compare for parking ease?
The Nissan Z is 172.4 inches long and 72.6 inches wide, making it slightly shorter but marginally wider than the CLA, which measures 184.6 inches long and 72.0 inches wide.
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