Ford Mustang vs Nissan Z

The Ford Mustang returns for a final tour as its primary rivals head to retirement. This seventh-generation pony car is based on its predecessor but receives numerous upgrades that significantly improve its interior and technology. For fun on a budget, it's difficult to beat a Mustang, and this newest version continues the tradition with a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Search for a Ford Mustang on CarGurus

The Nissan Z sports car got its first redesign in over a decade for the 2023 model year. For 2024, Nissan is giving the reinvigorated Z an extra dose of performance.

The Z is a sports car icon. Unveiled in 1969 as the Datsun 240Z, it made a big splash as one of the few affordable sports cars available at the time. Later models grew larger and more luxurious, but also faster and more sophisticated. Nissan brought the Z back to its roots with the Z33-generation 350Z in 2002, and then launched the successor Z34-generation 370Z in 2008. That version lasted until the 2022 model year, giving it one of the longest runs of any modern production car.

Both the Z33 and Z34 Z cars got NISMO performance variants. NISMO stands for Nissan Motorsports, the performance division that applies a little motorsports magic to the occasional Nissan road car. It’s done just that with the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO, which arrives with more power, a stiffened chassis, and upgraded brakes to complete a lineup that also includes the carryover Sport and Performance trim levels.

With this three-tier lineup, the Z is positioned alongside the Toyota GR Supra, spanning the gap between entry-level sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and pricier fare like the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 718 Cayman.

Search for a Nissan Z on CarGurus