VS
At a Glance
Power
450hp @ 8250
400hp @ 6400
Torque
317lb-ft @ 4000
350lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
19 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Engine
4.2 L/254ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Nissan Z is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A5 delivers 450hp @ 8250 while the Nissan Z produces 400hp @ 6400. On fuel, the A5 returns 19 mpg est. while the Z uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $77,900 for the A5 and $52,970 for the Z. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A5RS 5 2dr Cabriolet 2014 - From $77,900
Nissan ZPerformance Auto 2026 - From $52,970
Performance
Power Output (hp)
450hp @ 8250
400hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
317lb-ft @ 4000
350lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.2 L/254ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
19 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
28 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.1gal
16.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.1in
172.4in
Width (in)
73in
72.6in
Height (in)
54.4in
51.8in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
100.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4045lbs
3602lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Z
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A5
Fuel Economy
Z
Value
Z
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (19 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Z
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($52,970)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or Z?
The A5 gets 19 mpg est. and the Z gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Z is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or Z?
The A5 produces 450hp @ 8250 and 317lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Z delivers 400hp @ 6400 and 350lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The A5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and Z?
The A5 starts from $77,900 and the Z from $52,970. The Z is cheaper by $24,930 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A5 or the Z?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.