BMW M2 vs Nissan Z
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW M2 starts from $123,900 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Z opens at $76,160. That makes the Nissan Z the more affordable entry point by $47,740.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $136,290 and $83,776 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M2 by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M2 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Z gets a 8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M2 stands out with ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Nissan Z. The Nissan Z counters with heated front seats and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M2 gets merino leather upholstery while the Nissan Z offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW M2 and 1-zone in the Nissan Z.
Drivetrain
The BMW M2 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds.
The Nissan Z responds with a Petrol making 298kW and 475Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The BMW M2 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 298kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M2 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M2 measures 4,580mm long on a 2,747mm wheelbase, 200mm longer than the Nissan Z at 4,380mm (2,550mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M2 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 390L in the BMW M2 and 241L in the Nissan Z, giving the BMW M2 a 149L advantage. The BMW M2 seats 4 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,822/year for the BMW M2 and $3,078/year for the Nissan Z. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the BMW M2.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (BMW M2) vs $3,078 (Nissan Z). The BMW M2 saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M2) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Z). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M2 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Z if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M2 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The BMW M2 will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M2 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M2 and Nissan Z?
The Nissan Z is the cheapest at $76,160 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M2 by $47,740.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M2 uses the least fuel at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW M2 and Nissan Z carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M2 has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M2 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M2 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M2 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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