VS
At a Glance
Power
255hp @ 5000
400hp @ 6400
Torque
295lb-ft @ 1550
350lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
29 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the BMW 2 Series and the Nissan Z is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 2 Series delivers 255hp @ 5000 while the Nissan Z produces 400hp @ 6400. On fuel, the 2 Series returns 29 mpg est. while the Z uses 21 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,200 for the 2 Series 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
BMW 2 Series230i xDrive Coupe 2026 - From $42,200
Nissan ZPerformance Manual 2026 - From $52,970
Performance
Power Output (hp)
255hp @ 5000
400hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft @ 1550
350lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.7gal
16.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
179in
172.4in
Width (in)
72.4in
72.6in
Height (in)
54.8in
51.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107.9in
100.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3519lbs
3536lbs
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
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 2 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Z
Fuel Economy
2 Series
Value
2 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 2 Series
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($42,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Z
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 2 Series or Z?
The 2 Series gets 29 mpg est. and the Z gets 21 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 2 Series 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 2 Series or Z?
The 2 Series produces 255hp @ 5000 and 295lb-ft @ 1550 of torque while the Z delivers 400hp @ 6400 and 350lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Z is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 2 Series and Z?
The 2 Series starts from $42,200 and the Z from $52,970. The 2 Series is cheaper by $10,770 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 2 Series 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