Compare the2024 Nissan ZVS 2024 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, side-impact head 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan above average in initial quality. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Nissan vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Nissan 3 places higher in reliability than Ford.

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

The Z has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Mustang. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The Z’s brakes have 12% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the Mustang EcoBoost (603 vs. 538.7 square inches), so the Z has more braking power available.

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

The Z Sport’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 EcoBoost’s standard 55 series tires.

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

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 5 feet tighter than the Mustang GT/Dark Horse’s (32.8 feet vs. 37.8 feet).

The Z is 1 foot, 5 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.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Nissan Z, based on reliability, safety and performance.