The next generation of the Nissan Z performance sports car is about to arrive, and fans of the turbocharged vehicle are anticipating its release. Some are wondering how the new version of the car will stack up against the previous generation, the Nissan 370Z. To help, we’re breaking down the specs on each of the beloved cars so you can compare for yourself. 

Recalling the 2020 Nissan 370Z

Fans of sports cars and racing are sure to recall the Nissan 370Z, which packed quite a punch for its relatively diminutive size. Per Edmunds, this predecessor to the 2023 Nissan Z features a powerful 3.7 L V6 engine capable of producing a whopping 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque along with a seven-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Car and Driver writes that such power allows the Z to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. 

The 370Z also came with an abundance of standard safety features. These included dual front side-mounted airbags, traction and stability control, emergency braking assist, and tire pressure monitoring, just to name a few. 

The 2020 Nissan 370Z had a combined fuel efficiency of 22 mpg and started at $39,490. 

How does the 2023 Nissan Z stack up to its predecessor?

As Jalopnik reports, planning for the new Z began five years ago under the direction of product planner Hiroshi Tamura. The 2023 Nissan Z will build on the tradition of the 370Z to offer buyers even greater horsepower and an overall turbocharged experience. Nissan has gone over the major specs in its announcement of the car’s upcoming release, and it’s easy to see that there’s a lot to look forward to with the vehicle. 

 For starters, there’s the engine, which is even more powerful than that of the 370Z. All of the Z trims come with a 400-hp, 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. Consumers can also choose between six-speed manual transmission or a new nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. 

Even better, the Z is expected to be relatively affordable, at least if you go for the base trim, the Z Coupe Sport 6MT or 9AT. The Coupe Sport will start at $39,990, while the higher-level Coupe Performance will have an MSRP of $49,990. 

Consumers can look forward to these trim options on the new Nissan Z

While we’re on the topic of trims, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect in that regard from the new 2023 Nissan Z. First, the basics: the car will come in three trims. We’ve already mentioned the first two, the Coupe Sport and the Coupe Performance. These two will be by far the most readily available trims. 

MotorTrend has noted some of the major differences between the Sport and the Performance. One of these is wheel size. The Performance will feature 19-inch Rays super lightweight forged alloy wheels, while the Z Sport comes with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Z Performance also comes with slightly larger rotors on the brakes. The Performance also comes with front and rear spoilers and dual exhaust outlets.

There will also be a limited number of an even higher-level trim, the Coupe Proto Spec, produced. The Proto Spec, of which only 240 are expected to be produced, will feature a special plaque, along with, as Nissan puts it, “exclusive interior and exterior features, all paying homage to the Z Proto launched in 2020.” 

The Z Coupe Proto Spec will cost a few thousand more than the Coupe Performance and will have an MSRP of $52,990. 

The new 2023 Nissan Z is expected to be released this summer.