Should the 2023 Nissan Z’s Price Make the Toyota Supra Worry?
The import wars of the early 2000s are about to reignite, and not just because there’s a new Acura Integra on the way. A new Nissan Z is coming to town, which means the modern Toyota Supra has a direct rival again. And with the Z vs. Supra rivalry rekindled, enthusiasts will soon start picking sides. But while the 2021 Supra is a capable sports car, the 2023 Nissan Z might have it beat in at least one key area: price.
How much does the 2023 Nissan Z cost compared to the 2021 Toyota Supra?
As of this writing, Nissan hasn’t revealed the full pricing details for the 2023 Z. However, the automaker has said that a base Z Sport “will start at around $40,000,” Road & Track reports. The next trim up, the Z Performance, will presumably be slightly more expensive. For context, the outgoing 370Z’s highest trim, the Nismo, started at $45,790.
In comparison, the base 2021 Toyota Supra, the Supra 2.0, starts at $43,090. So, it’s roughly as expensive as the 2023 Z. However, the 2021 Supra 3.0 starts at $51,090. The sportier Supra 3.0 Premium is even pricier at $54,590. And there’s an even more expensive A91-CF trim coming for 2022. But since it’s a limited-edition trim, something the Nissan Z will also offer, it’s not worth price-matching.
Regardless, the 2023 Nissan Z appears to be slightly cheaper than a base 2021 Toyota Supra 2.0. And it’s noticeably cheaper than the Supra 3.0.
Does the 2021 Toyota Supra offer more performance or features than the 2023 Nissan Z?
| Spec | 2023 Nissan Z | 2021 Toyota Supra 2.0 | 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 |
| Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six |
| Power | 400 hp | 255 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual Nine-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph time | 4.25 seconds (manual, The Drive estimate) | 4.7 seconds (Car and Driver) | 3.7 seconds (Car and Driver) |
The 2023 Nissan Z’s starting price presents a problem for the 2021 Toyota Supra. For one, the Z is more powerful than the Supra 2.0 despite costing roughly the same. And secondly, although the Supra 3.0 is faster than the Z, it doesn’t have a manual. Plus, the two sports cars should weigh roughly the same, MotorTrend muses.
In terms of performance features, the 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 pulls slightly ahead of the 2023 Z. For example, the Supra 3.0 has adjustable dampers, and the Premium models have Brembo brakes. Those brakes are larger than the Z Sport’s ventilated discs. The Supra 3.0 also has a standard electronically-controlled limited-slip differential. In contrast, only the Z Performance gets an LSD, and it’s a mechanical one.
Also, the Z Performance’s Bridgestone Potenza tires aren’t quite on the same level as the Supra’s Michelin Pilot Super Sports, R&T notes. And for 2022, all Toyota Supra buyers get a one-year National Auto Sport Association membership and one free High Performance Driving Event class.
However, the 2023 Nissan Z Performance does have larger brakes overall than the Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium. And while the BMW-based Supra doesn’t offer Android Auto at all, it’s standard on every Z. Plus, even in Sport trim, the 2023 Z has a larger digital gauge cluster than the Supra.
Which sports car is worth buying?
Without driving the 2023 Nissan Z and the 2021 Toyota Supra models back-to-back, it’s impossible to say which is the better sports car. True, these cars are roughly the same length and have similar suspension setups and strut-tower braces. But with different wheelbases, powertrains, brakes, and chassis, the decision ultimately hinges on some test drives.
However, there are two things worth keeping in mind. Compared to the cheapest Toyota Supra, the cheapest 2023 Z is, on paper, a faster car for slightly less money. And with a standard manual, it offers an experience the Supra 2.0 can’t match. With one car offering both of these things, Toyota might have to start worrying soon.
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