Compare the2023 Nissan Z VS 2022 Ford Mustang

The Z has standard Front and Rear Sonar System to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The Mustang doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

Both the Z and the Mustang have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Nissan vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Nissan 9 places higher in reliability than Ford.

The Z’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 90 more horsepower (400 vs. 310) than the Mustang’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder. The Z’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 70 more horsepower (400 vs. 330) than the Mustang’s optional 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Nissan Z is faster than the Ford Mustang turbo 4 cyl. (manual transmissions tested):

	Z	Mustang
Zero to 60 MPH	4.5 sec	5 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	10.6 sec	13 sec
Quarter Mile	13 sec	13.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	111 MPH	102 MPH
Top Speed	160 MPH	155 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the Z gets better mileage than the Mustang Fastback:

			MPG
Z
	Manual	3.0 turbo V6	18 city/24 hwy
	Auto	3.0 turbo V6	19 city/28 hwy
Mustang Fastback
	Manual	5.0 V8	15 city/24 hwy
		5.0 V8	14 city/22 hwy
	Auto	5.0 V8	15 city/24 hwy
		5.0 V8	15 city/23 hwy

The Z has almost a gallon more fuel capacity than the Mustang EcoBoost’s standard fuel tank (16.4 vs. 15.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Nissan Z higher (5 out of 10) than the Ford Mustang (3 to 5). This means the Z produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Mustang every 15,000 miles.

The Z stops shorter than the Mustang:

	Z	Mustang
60 to 0 MPH	110 feet	111 feet	Motor Trend

For better traction, the Z has larger standard tires than the Mustang (245/45R18 vs. 235/55R17).

The Z Sport Coupe’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mustang’s standard 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Z Sport Coupe has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Mustang.

The Z has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Mustang doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For better maneuverability, the Z’s turning circle is 3.7 feet tighter than the Mustang’s (32.8 feet vs. 36.5 feet). The Z’s turning circle is 7.2 feet tighter than the Mustang w/20” tires’ (32.8 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Z is 1 foot, 4.1 inches shorter than the Mustang, making the Z easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Z Manual can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Z can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Mustang can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Z’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Ford does not offer a locking feature on the Mustang’s standard power windows.

The Z has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Mustang doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.