Toyota 86 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.
Toyota 86
Price TBC
Coupe
Petrol
2.0L 4-cylinder Boxer (FA20)
152kW
8.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Nissan Z
From $76,160
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
298kW
10.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
241L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Toyota 86 features a 6.1-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan Z gets a 8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Nissan Z counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bose audio that the Toyota 86 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota 86 uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder Boxer (FA20) producing 152kW and 212Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout.
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 152kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota 86 measures 4,240mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 140mm shorter than the Nissan Z at 4,380mm (2,550mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota 86 generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.8 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,394/year for the Toyota 86 and $3,078/year for the Nissan Z. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Toyota 86.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Toyota 86) vs $3,078 (Nissan Z). The Toyota 86 saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota 86) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Z). The Nissan Z has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota 86 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Z if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Z takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Toyota 86 will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. The Nissan Z adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota 86 and Nissan Z?
The Nissan Z is the cheapest at $76,160 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota 86 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota 86 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the best warranty?
The Nissan Z has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Z makes the most power at 298kW.
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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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