VS
At a Glance
Power
480hp @ 7150
400hp @ 6400
Torque
415lb-ft @ 4900
350lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
20 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Engine
5.0 L/302ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Ford Mustang and the Nissan Z is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Mustang delivers 480hp @ 7150 while the Nissan Z produces 400hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Mustang returns 20 mpg est. while the Z uses 21 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $51,080 for the Mustang and $42,970 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
Ford MustangGT Premium Fastback 2026 - From $51,080
Nissan ZSport Manual 2026 - From $42,970
Performance
Power Output (hp)
480hp @ 7150
400hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
415lb-ft @ 4900
350lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5.0 L/302ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Manual w/OD
Manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
15 (2025)mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16gal
16.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189.4in
172.4in
Width (in)
75.4in
72.6in
Height (in)
55in
51.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107in
100.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3741lbs
3486lbs
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
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Z
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mustang
Fuel Economy
Z
Value
Z
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Mustang
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Z
Better fuel economy (21 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($42,970)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mustang or Z?
The Mustang gets 20 mpg est. and the Z gets 21 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 Mustang or Z?
The Mustang produces 480hp @ 7150 and 415lb-ft @ 4900 of torque while the Z delivers 400hp @ 6400 and 350lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Mustang is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mustang and Z?
The Mustang starts from $51,080 and the Z from $42,970. The Z is cheaper by $8,110 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Mustang 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