6 Features That Make The New Nissan Z Better than the Toyota GR Supra
After over a decade, Nissan has finally updated the 370Z. Now called "the Z," it has its sights set on the new Toyota Supra. Two legendary names face off against each other for the first time since the '90s. Is the Z a better choice for than the Supra for high performance fun? Here are 6 reasons that may give the Z an advantage.
More Power
The last time the Supra and Z were competitors, both were powered by 320hp twin turbo V6s. This time around the Z gets a 400 horsepower twin-turbo V6. That's 18 more ponies than the new Supra’s 382 horsepower BMW sourced turbocharged inline-6.
Though the Supra’s powertrain has been proven to be bulletproof and has the support of the BMW tuning community, the Z’s VR30DDTT powertrain has been used in the Q50/Q60 Red Sport. Various companies have tuned the motor up to 800-1,000 horsepower with quarter mile times in the 10 second range.
Retro Modern Design
Toyota chose to start from scratch when it came to the GR Supra's design and have no link to the previous models. Toyota could have at least made the taillights look like the mk4 Supra but they didn’t. Modern Z’s like the 350Z and 370Z have always drawn some sort of design inspiration from classic Zs.
The new one is no different. The front end harkens back to the long nose 240ZG (240Z pictured). The taillights are a modern take of those found on the 1990 Z32 300ZX.
No Fake Vents. No BS
Speaking of design, the Supra is full of aggressive looking vents and ducts. None of which are open or functional.
The Z keeps things simple and classy with a big functional front grille and swooping body lines.
Digital Dash
Inside the Z features a mix of classic and modern technology. On top of the dash, you will find a trio of round gauges, similar to the original 240Z, 350Z and 370Z.
In front of the driver, the gauge cluster is a large digital screen. Unlike the Supra, where some information in the cluster is fixed, the Z’s instrument cluster is completely customizable. You can configure in any way you see fit, and as an added bonus it also features a shift light for hitting the optimal rpm when competing.
Old School Levers (Manual Transmission and Handbrake)
When the Supra debut in 2018, enthusiasts cried about the fact there was no manual transmission available. The new Z gives you the option to choose between a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual.
On top of that, the Z also comes with a traditional handbrake, a rare feature in any car these days.
Price of Entry
Nissan says $40,000 will get you into a twin-turbo 400 horsepower 2023 Nissan Z. Although that pricing has not been confirmed for the manual transmission.
With a little more money, $43,090 to be exact, gets you into a the entry level 255 horsepower 4 cylinder Supra 2.0. If you are looking for near Z levels of horsepower, you’d need to spend $51,090 to get the 382 horsepower Supra 3.0. No matter how much money you spend on a GR Supra, you will not get a manual transmission.
Though the Z is more affordable and has more power, is that enough to get you to choose the Z over the GR Supra?
