Compare the2023 Audi TTVS 2023 Nissan Z

The Audi TT has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Z doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The TT has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Z doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The TT has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Z doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the TT and the Z have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

The TT comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Z’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The TT’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Z’s (12 vs. 5 years).

The Audi TT’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the Z’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the TT gets better mileage than the Z:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the TT (except RS)’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Z doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi TT uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Z requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The TT has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Z doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The TT offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Z doesn’t offer an SMG.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the TT has a standard up-shift light to indicate when the engine is approaching redline. The Z doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

All wheel drive, available in the TT, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Nissan Z is not available with all wheel drive.

The TT RS offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Z doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The TT stops much shorter than the Z:

The TT 45 TSFI’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Z Sport Coupe’s standard 45 series tires. The TT’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the Z Performance Coupe’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TT offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Z’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The TT has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Z; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The TT has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Z’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The TT offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Z’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The TT 45 TSFI Coupe handles at .99 G’s, while the Z Performance Coupe pulls only .93 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The TT 45 TSFI Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Z Performance Coupe (24.6 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 25.3 seconds @ .74 average G’s).

The Audi TT may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 300 pounds less than the Nissan Z.

The TT is 7.4 inches shorter than the Z, making the TT easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The TT Coupe has standard seating for 4 passengers; the Z can only carry 2.

The TT has 22.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Z (74 vs. 51.4).

The TT Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Z Coupe (12 vs. 6.9 cubic feet).

The TT uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Z uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 16% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 18th.

The TT’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Z has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

If the windows are left open on the TT the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Z can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The TT’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Z’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the TT to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Z doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the TT has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Z doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The TT’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Z Performance.

When the TT is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Z’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The TT’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Z has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi TT has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Z doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Audi TT comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Nissan Z isn’t available as a convertible.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi TT, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Audi TT outsold the Nissan Z by almost seven to one during the 2022 model year.