Ford Mustang 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.
Price Breakdown
The Ford Mustang starts from $72,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Z opens at $76,160. That makes the Ford Mustang the more affordable entry point by $3,170.
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 $80,289 and $83,776 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Mustang by roughly $1,995 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 Ford Mustang features a 13.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.4-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 Ford Mustang stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan Z. The Nissan Z counters with Apple CarPlay and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Mustang uses a Petrol I4 Turbo producing 232kW and 475Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 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 Nissan Z has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 232kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Z is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Mustang measures 4,811mm long on a 2,719mm wheelbase, 431mm longer than the Nissan Z at 4,380mm (2,550mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Mustang generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m diameter
Average
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,679/year for the Ford Mustang and $3,078/year for the Nissan Z. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Ford Mustang.
Estimated annual total: $2,679 (Ford Mustang) vs $3,078 (Nissan Z). The Ford Mustang saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Ford Mustang) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Z). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Mustang if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Z if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford Mustang and Nissan Z trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Mustang will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Mustang and Nissan Z?
The Ford Mustang is the cheapest at $72,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Z by $3,170.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Mustang uses the least fuel at 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Ford Mustang and Nissan Z carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Z makes the most power at 298kW. The Nissan Z is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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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