The manual Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z are changing the landscape of the sports car market. Both vehicles are dedicated sports coupes with driver’s car qualities and, more importantly, an optional three-pedal setup. However, there are three reasons potential owners should consider the manual Nissan Z over the manual GR Supra. 

The manual Nissan Z is more powerful than a comparable manual Toyota GR Supra

The first reason why potential owners should consider the upcoming manual Nissan Z over a comparable manual GR Supra is actually 400 reasons. The Nissan Z packs an impressive 400 horsepower regardless of the transmission option or trim level. Of course, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Nissan sports coupe promises to be a riot with a six-speed manual transmission. By comparison, the incipient manual Supra 3.0 boasts 382 horsepower. 

The new Supras are by no means slouches, though. MotorTrend tested the taut Toyota model and estimates that the manual-equipped GR Supra 3.0 will hit 60 mph in the low 4-second range, about 0.3 seconds slower than the eight-speed automatic version. On the other hand, the Nissan Z Performance package is comparable; the three-pedal Z returned a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. 

A manual Nissan Z offers more value at the entry level than a Toyota GR Supra

The entry-level Nissan Z starts at around $39,990, which is considerably cheaper than the entry-level Supra. Moreover, the entry-level trim, the Z Sport, offers the six-speed manual transmission at the same price point as the nine-speed automatic version. That means potential owners can snag a 400-horsepower sports car with a manual transmission for less than the 382-horsepower Supra. 

You can’t get a 2023 Toyota GR Supra 2.0 with a manual transmission

One of the most significant points in the manual Nissan Z’s favor is the availability of its three-pedal setup compared to the GR Supra. Specifically, the 2023 Toyota GR Supra only offers its six-speed manual transmission with its 3.0L variations. That skips the entry-level 2.0L four-cylinder Supra altogether. As a result, the roughly $53,595 GR Supra 3.0L is the most cost-effective way to slip into a manual Supra. 

Compared to the Supra, the manual Nissan Z is a bargain. An entry-level Nissan Z Sport with a six-speed manual transmission is around $13,600 less than the comparable manual Supra 3.0. Still, if potential owners want a Supra-fighting Z, the Z Performance packs a limited-slip differential, sports exhaust, and bitier brakes. 

Should you consider the Z over the GR Supra? 

Considering the manual Nissan Z is more accessible, cheaper, and more powerful than a comparable manual GR Supra 3.0, the Z is an excellent option for sports car enthusiasts. Of course, both cars are faster with their automatic transmission options, but the manual lends itself to a driver’s car experience that fans won’t get with paddle-shiftable automatic units. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Nissan Z Sport promises to afford potential owners a more affordable driver’s car than the GR Supra. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about the sports cars like the Toyota GR Supra!