Compare the2024 Nissan ZVS 2023 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, 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.

The Z has more powerful engines than the Mustang:

As tested in Car and Driver the Nissan Z 3.0 is faster than the Ford Mustang turbo 4 cyl. (manual transmissions tested):

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

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.

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.

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:

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’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.

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.

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