At a Glance
Power
450hp @ 8250
420hp @ 6400
Torque
317lb-ft @ 4000
384lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
20 mpg est.
20 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 420hp @ 6400. On fuel, the A5 returns 20 mpg est. while the Z uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $70,900 for the A5 and $65,750 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
450hp @ 8250
420hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
317lb-ft @ 4000
384lb-ft @ 2000
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
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
17 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.1gal
16.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183in
173.2in
Width (in)
73.2in
73.6in
Height (in)
53.8in
51.8in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
100.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4009lbs
3704lbs
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
✓ 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
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Z
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Nissan Z
Lower starting price ($65,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or Z?
The A5 gets 20 mpg est. and the Z gets 20 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 420hp @ 6400 and 384lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The A5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and Z?
The A5 starts from $70,900 and the Z from $65,750. The Z is cheaper by $5,150 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.
Also Consider