At a Glance
Power
473hp @ 6250
420hp @ 6400
Torque
406lb-ft @ 2650
384lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
20 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the BMW M2 and the Nissan Z is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW M2 delivers 473hp @ 6250 while the Nissan Z produces 420hp @ 6400. On fuel, the M2 returns 20 mpg est. while the Z uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $65,500 for the M2 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)
473hp @ 6250
420hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
406lb-ft @ 2650
384lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
Inline
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16 (2024)mpg
17 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24 (2024)mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.7gal
16.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
180.3in
173.2in
Width (in)
74.3in
73.6in
Height (in)
55.2in
51.8in
Wheelbase (in)
108.1in
100.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3814lbs
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
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M2
1 / 4 categories
Performance
M2
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW M2
Lower starting price ($65,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Z
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M2 or Z?
The M2 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 M2 or Z?
The M2 produces 473hp @ 6250 and 406lb-ft @ 2650 of torque while the Z delivers 420hp @ 6400 and 384lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The M2 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M2 and Z?
The M2 starts from $65,500 and the Z from $65,750, a difference of just $250, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the M2 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