High-performance sports cars with serious horsepower usually come with equally serious price tags. However, in 2025 one model stands out by offering 400 horsepower at a price that undercuts nearly all of its rivals without sacrificing thrills.
This rear-wheel-drive coupe blends classic sports car proportions with modern engineering, delivering sharp handling, responsive power delivery, and an engaging driving experience. It’s equipped with a twin-turbocharged engine, a well-balanced chassis, and the option of a manual transmission for purists. Yet it still costs thousands less than other cars with similar performance figures.
For drivers seeking maximum performance without breaking the bank, this car hits the sweet spot. It proves that you don’t need to spend luxury money to get serious power and driving excitement. If you’re looking for one of the best horsepower-per-dollar deals on the market today, this 400-horsepower machine is the one to watch in 2025.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
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A New 2025 Nissan Z Starts At Under $45,000
It may not have had the warmest reception when it launched, but the Nissan Z is an impressively powerful sports car and features a relatively low starting price considering what you get. As of right now, the Z is the most affordable sports car that you can get if you’re looking for something that puts out 400 horsepower or more.
Trims and Pricing
Model
Starting MSRP
Sport
$42,970
Performance
$52,970
NISMO
$65,750
If you’re looking for a two-door coupe that puts down a ton of power, it doesn’t get more affordable than the Z. Even American muscle cars like the Mustang, which is known for delivering great bang-for-your-buck, are more expensive. This doesn’t mean Nissan has skimped on quality either, though, with even the base model being well-equipped.
Of the three trims on offer, we think that the mid-range Performance offers the best value for your money. You get a more comfortable interior, with things like leather-appointed seats, as well as a bevy of performance upgrades. It gets a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, and a sportier suspension tune. We can’t blame you for splurging on the more track-focused NISMO model, though, or keeping things affordable with the entry-level Sport.
Changes For 2025
The only real change is that the limited Heritage Edition model has been dropped from the lineup. It was based on the Performance trim and features unique cosmetic tweaks. The NISMO model that was introduced last year has been kept around, though, which will keep enthusiasts happy.
The NISMO model features a number of upgrades that turn the Z into a dedicated track toy. It gets some additional grunt, producing more horsepower than the other two models, and features standard equipment like bigger breaks, a limited-slip differential, bigger wheels, and a stiffer suspension tune. Just know that it’s a bit too firm and highly strung to be a great daily driver.
Warranty and Maintenance
- Limited Warranty – Three Years or 36,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty – Five Years or 60,000 Miles
- No Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance
Nissan doesn’t beat competitors with its bumper-to-bumper coverage or its powertrain warranty, with both being about average for the segment. However, while the Japanese brand doesn’t offer full scheduled maintenance visits on the house, the Z gains access to the newly implemented Nissan Maintenance Care program. This program means you get up to three oil changes in the first two years or 24,000 miles as well as free inspections and tire rotations.
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A Twin-Turbocharged V-6 Sits Under The Hood Of The Nissan Z
Nissan
Horsepower is what the Z is all about, offering you as much power as possible without breaking the bank. It gets its power from the same twin-turbocharged V-6 that used to power the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, but it feels almost more at home beating within the coupe.
Performance Specifications
Model
Sport/Performance
NISMO
Engine
3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6
3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6
Transmission
6-Speed Manual or 9-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
400 HP
420 HP
Torque
350 LB-FT
384 LB-FT
Driveline
RWD
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.3 Seconds
3.9 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
165 MPH
The Z comes in two distinct states of tune. The Sport and the Performance trims make 400 horsepower while the NISMO gets a boost. While you can choose between a manual transmission or an automatic transmission with the more affordable models, the focused NISMO only gets the automatic, which is a little bit disappointing.
Nissan’s coupe may not be the quickest in its class, with cars like the Porsche Cayman and the Toyota GR Supra getting to 60 miles per hour faster, but it is certainly quick enough. The Sport and Performance trims can certainly handle corners well, offering plenty of agility. People looking to set lap records may want to opt for the NISMO, but you will sacrifice that ability to ride comfortably when back on normal roads again.
All that being said, the power of the roaring twin-turbo V-6 and its rear-wheel drive setup make it an exceptionally satisfying car to drive, especially if you’re looking for fun over precision. We also love that Nissan has kept the six-speed manual alive for enthusiasts.
Fuel Economy
Model
City
Highway
Combined
Auto
19 MPG
28 MPG
22 MPG
Manual
18 MPG
24 MPG
20 MPG
NISMO Auto
17 MPG
24 MPG
19 MPG
Every Z requires premium gasoline to run. Those with the automatic transmission are more efficient, managing up to 28 miles per gallon. Opt for the manual and you’ll see a big drop, particularly if you frequently drive on the highway. Despite being more powerful and heavier, the NISMO is that far off of the regular Z’s estimates.
Safety and Driver Assists
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- High Beam Assist
Nissan has included several standard safety features and driver assists on the Z. You don’t have to spend more money for any additional features. The only things that will cost you extra are cabin cameras and an emergency SOS system, which allows you to call for help with the push of a button.
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The Z Offers a Good Mix Of Old-School Nostalgia and Modern Comfort
Nissan
As many know, the current version of the Z sits on the same platform as the old 370Z. Despite this, Nissan has managed to make it feel like a different car on the inside, with plenty of updated comfort features and a plethora of tech that helps make this coupe feel as modern as any other sports car on the market.
Interior Dimensions and Comfort
Headroom
38.2 Inches
Legroom
42.9 Inches
Cargo Capacity
6.9 Cubic Feet
Just like the 370Z, the new Z is a two-seater sports car, with no silly tiny rear seats. All but the tallest drivers will find the Z’s cabin comfortable enough, with headroom and legroom being plentiful. Where the Nissan does fall a little short is cargo space, with the trunk being small. Though, most people buying in this class will find it enough, with enough space for weekend bags.
While the interior layout in the new Z may be very similar to the outgoing model, it has been updated in a way that makes it feel unique enough. You’ll find premium materials used throughout the cabin and plenty of updated features, including power-operated seating and automatic climate control. Gauges for boost pressure, turbo speed, and battery charge add a nice old-school feel to the cabin as well.
Infotainment and Technology
The area where there has been the most improvement for the Z is in its interior technology. Nissan has included an eight-inch infotainment screen as standard kit, sitting in the middle of the dash. A larger nine-inch unit is available, though, coming with upgraded features like built-in navigation. As well as this, you get a 12.3-inch digital gauge display on every model.
You can connect to the infotainment system wirelessly, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay being included on every model. Sirius XM satellite radio is also included at no additional cost. On the most affordable models you’ll find a six-speaker sound system, but audiophiles will be more pleased with the optional eight-speaker premium sound system, engineered by Bose. You can also get on-board Wi-Fi on some models.
