VS
At a Glance
Power
420hp @ 6400
228hp @ 7000
Torque
384lb-ft @ 2000
184lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
20 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Nissan Z and the Toyota GR86 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Z delivers 420hp @ 6400 while the Toyota GR86 produces 228hp @ 7000. On fuel, the Z returns 20 mpg est. while the GR86 uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $65,750 for the Z and $33,400 for the GR86. 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
Nissan ZNISMO Auto 2026 - From $65,750
Toyota GR86Premium Manual (Natl) 2026 - From $33,400
Performance
Power Output (hp)
420hp @ 6400
228hp @ 7000
Torque (lb-ft)
384lb-ft @ 2000
184lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17 (2025)mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
26 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.4gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173.2in
167.9in
Width (in)
73.6in
69.9in
Height (in)
51.8in
51.6in
Wheelbase (in)
100.4in
101.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3704lbs
2833lbs
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
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota GR86
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Z
Fuel Economy
GR86
Value
GR86
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Nissan Z
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota GR86
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Z or GR86?
The Z gets 20 mpg est. and the GR86 gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The GR86 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 Z or GR86?
The Z produces 420hp @ 6400 and 384lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the GR86 delivers 228hp @ 7000 and 184lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Z is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Z and GR86?
The Z starts from $65,750 and the GR86 from $33,400. The GR86 is cheaper by $32,350 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Z or the GR86?
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