Ford Mustang GT vs. Nissan Z: Video
The Mustang has long been more than a straight-line car, so how does it stack up against the Nissan Z?
Before we get started, I have to say I’m not sure exactly how many folks are going to be cross-shopping the Ford Mustang GT and the Nissan Z. That said, I think this video from Ben Hardy—about which one is the better sports car—is a fair question. Because while machines like the Dodge Challenger have continued to carry the muscle car banner, the Mustang has long graduated from the land of focused straight-line performance. Today, the Blue Oval’s prized Pony is as happy carving corners as it is at the strip.
So from that perspective, this is an interesting video, as it does a good job pointing out the similarities and differences between Nissan’s latest incarnation of its iconic performance car and the Mustang—even if the lack of seats in the Z makes it a less-practical choice for many buyers. Of course, another thing that might also make folks lean in the direction of the GT is the engine note, as the rumble of the eight-pot is hard to beat. From that perspective, this clip makes it sound like the Nissan brought a knife to a gunfight.
As the video points out, however, output is another factor. For the 2022 model year, the Mustang’s 5.0 V8 is pumping out 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of twist, while the twin-turbo 3.0 in the Nissan is good for 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. According to Hardy, the weight difference—the Mustang is 150 pounds heavier—actually makes them feel similarly quick, and the numbers back him up. Dearborn says the Mustang with the ten-speed auto will make the jump to 60 in four seconds flat, while our friends at Car and Driver found a stick-shift Z will do it in 4.5 seconds. So in real-world conditions with a manual, I’d bet it’s tough to pick a winner.
Of course, it might not be that close for long. Because as we all know, the S650 Mustang is set to debut later this year, and the next-generation car will likely be another leap forward. Fortunately, we know that a manual gearbox will be on the order sheet, and the V8 engine isn’t going anywhere either. The big thing I’m wondering about? That would be the use of aluminum, as the F-150 has been using aluminum body panels since 2015, and the expertise gained there would translate well to the performance world. But what do you think about the new Z? Is it a worthy competitor to the Mustang? Hit me up and let me know!
Photos: Ford, Nissan
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