Nissan Z vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Nissan Z
From $76,160
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
298kW
10.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
241L
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
From $76,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
150kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
455L
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan Z starts from $76,160 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens at $76,900. That makes the Nissan Z the more affordable entry point by $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 $83,776 and $84,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by roughly $5,555 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 Nissan Z features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan Z stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bose audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan Z gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Nissan Z and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Z uses a Petrol producing 298kW and 475Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Nissan Z has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Z is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Z measures 4,380mm long on a 2,550mm wheelbase, 371mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 241L in the Nissan Z and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 214L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class seats 5 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $3,078/year for the Nissan Z and $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That is a $1,111 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,078 (Nissan Z) vs $1,967 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class saves you roughly $1,111 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Z) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Z if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Z takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class will save you roughly $1,111 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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, Nissan Z and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Nissan Z is the cheapest at $76,160 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by $740.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz C-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the largest boot at 455L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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.
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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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