Compare the2024 Nissan ZVS 2024 Porsche 911

The Z’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the 911.

The Z has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the 911’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Z has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Porsche charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the 911.

The Z’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 911 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Z and the 911 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 and rearview cameras.

Nissan’s powertrain warranty covers the Z 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Porsche covers the 911. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 911 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 5 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Z’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the Z gets better mileage than the 911 Coupe:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Nissan Z higher (5 out of 10) than the Porsche 911 (3 to 5). This means the Z produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 911 every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is available on the Nissan Z, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 911.

For better traction, the Z has larger standard tires than the 911 (245/45R18 vs. 235/40R19).

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 911 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Z’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the 911 (100.4 inches vs. 96.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Z is 1 inch wider in the rear than the average track on the 911.

The Z’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56.4% to 43.6%) than the 911’s (39.5% to 60.5%). This gives the Z more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the Z’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the 911 GT3’s (32.8 feet vs. 34.1 feet). The Z’s turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the 911’s (32.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The Z is 5.5 inches shorter than the 911, making the Z easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Z Performance/NISMO uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 911 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Z has .3 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom and 1.6 inches more front shoulder room than the 911.

The Z has a much larger trunk than the 911 Coupe with its rear seat up (6.9 vs. 4.6 cubic feet).

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 911 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Z’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Porsche does not offer a locking feature on the 911’s standard power windows.

On a hot day the Z’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 911 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Z has standard Intelligent Key that allows you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. The 911 GT3 doesn’t offer Comfort Access.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Z has standard extendable sun visors. The 911 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Insurance will cost less for the Z owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Z will cost $2680 less than the 911 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Nissan Z will be $44135 to $1795060 less than for the Porsche 911.

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