Nissan Z 0-60 Times: A Welcome Improvement
The Nissan Z 0-60 time ranges from 4 - 4.5 seconds, depending on the trim and type of fuel used.
After a decade of its predecessor, the 370Z, languishing around the 5-second mark, the Z's 0-60 time is a welcome improvement.
Nissan Z 0-60 Times & Specs
The Nissan Z, referred to as the 400Z before its release, serves as the sequel to the 370Z.
It uses a 400 hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine borrowed from the Infiniti Q50 and also shares a wheelbase and portions of its chassis from its predecessor.
While the design is an upgrade from the controversial aesthetic of the previous 2 generations, it now looks too basic, like a low-poly model waiting to be fully rendered.
It does continue the Z tradition of being an extensively tested vehicle, with all of its 3 powertrains having performance reports. Let's look at them in detail:
Z Performance (2023)
When the Z was first introduced with the 2023 model year, there was no NISMO trim offered, however, buyers were offered the choice between a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The manual generally reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, with the automatic getting there in 4.3 seconds.
One thing worth pointing out is that Car and Driver have recorded a manual-equipped quarter mile achieving a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds with 93-octane gas.
Therefore, the 4.3-second figure on the 9-speed automatic Z is likely conservative.
Z NISMO (2024)
The Nismo was added to the lineup in 2024 and improves horsepower by 20 and torque by 34 lb-ft. It's only available with the 9-speed automatic and has a recorded 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds.
Again, its likely that this is a conservative figure as it hasn't been tested with higher octane fuel. Realistically, the NISMO is the fastest car in the lineup.
It is over $12,000 more than the Z Performance, a price increase that can not be justified by the small gap in performance.
Nissan Z 0-60 Time VS Rivals
Yes, the Nissan Z 0-60 times are an improvement over the 370Z, but how does it stack up to its rivals?
Toyota GR Supra
The Z is most often compared to the Toyota GR Supra, another Japanese, rear-wheel drive sports coupe.
The Supra is also available with automatic and manual transmissions and features two different performance levels, a 2.0 and 3.0 engine.
The manual-equipped Z Performance's 0-60 time is a fraction of a second slower than the manual-equipped 3.0 liter Supra, and costs a few thousand dollars less.
If you get the base level Z - which likely has a nearly identical 0-60 time as the Performance - the cost is over $10,000 less, at $42,000.
The 8-speed automatic 3.0 liter Supra is a few fractions of a second faster than any tested automatic Nissan Z, coming in with a 3.9 second 0-60 time, but like the manual Supra, it is much more expensive.
BMW M2
The M2 0-60 time is 3.6 seconds with the automatic transmission and 3.9 with the manual. Both options cost over $20,000 more than their base-level Nissan Z counterparts, however.
The Nissan Z might seem more appealing at first glance, especially when evaluating its cost-effectiveness and straight-line acceleration capabilities.
Yet, for those drawn to the comprehensive enhancements of the Performance package, which includes superior suspension, advanced braking systems, and a range of interior luxuries, the M2 begins to outshine its competitor.
Despite being half a second quicker, the M2's price tag is only approximately $10,000 higher, presenting a compelling case for its overall value.
When the comparison shifts to the NISMO Z, the M2 unequivocally emerges as the superior choice, offering both enhanced speed and a more attractive price point.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang has a host of options for 2024, from the Ecoboost to the GT, and the new Dark Horse.
Equipped with a V8 engine, the Dark Horse boasts 500 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds when paired with its six-speed manual transmission. Opting for an automatic transmission shaves this down to an impressive 3.7 seconds.
However, it stands as the least cost-effective option in the Mustang lineup, bearing a sticker price of $63,425.
The GT offers better value, with a 4.3 second 0-60 time and a much more reasonable $46,000 price tag. This puts it on par with an entry-level Nissan Z in terms of performance but slightly more expensive.
Lastly, there's the Ecoboost Mustang, which will win a price-performance comparison with just about any car on the market.
Its 0-60 time is 4.5 seconds with an entry-level price of $30,920; it is only available with a 10-speed automatic transmission, however.
Final Thoughts
The Nissan Z is somewhat of a sleeper car with regards to performance, undercutting most of its rivals in price.
All this goes out with the NISMO trim however, which costs significantly more while hardly improving the Nissan Z's 0-60 time.
If you're interested in the Z, one thing to be aware of is the criticism it's received for its performance at full capacity, with the main complaint being that it feels less stable and secure than what you'd expect for its class.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast is a Nissan Z Performance?
The latest Nissan Z Performance model, equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.3 seconds when equipped with the automatic transmission, and around 4.5 seconds with the manual gearbox.
Its performance-tuned components ensure a swift and engaging driving experience. The top speed of the Nissan Z Performance is 155 miles per hour.
How Fast Does a 370Z Go 0 to 60?
The Nissan 370Z, the predecessor to the latest Z model, typically achieves a 0 to 60 mph time of around 5.0 to 5.2 seconds, depending on the model year, transmission type, and specific trim.
What is the Nissan Z 1/4 Mile Time?
The latest Nissan Z can complete the 1/4 mile in approximately 12.5 to 13.0 seconds, with variations depending on factors like transmission choice, driving conditions, and specific model variants. This performance showcases the car's potent acceleration and capability over short distances.
Are Nissan Z Cars Reliable?
Nissan Z cars have a reputation for reliability and durability, which is part of their appeal as sports cars that can be driven daily.
While individual experiences may vary, and maintenance plays a crucial role in any vehicle's reliability, the Z series has historically been known for its solid build quality and longevity, particularly when well-maintained.
Is the Nissan Z Fast?
Yes, the Nissan Z is considered fast, especially in terms of acceleration and overall performance. With its powerful V6 twin-turbocharged engine and sport-tuned components, the Nissan Z offers impressive speed and agility, making it competitive within its segment and against many higher-priced sports cars.
About the Author
Max F. Arellano
While researching cars awhile back, I encountered a frustrating trend: the available 0-60 resources felt outdated, resembling little more than glorified Excel spreadsheets. Moreover, they seemed outright unwelcoming to mobile users, adding an extra layer of inconvenience to the process.
Drawing on my expertise in software engineering, I embarked on the journey to establish ZeroSixty, aiming to craft an authentic next-generation resource.