2023 Nissan Z vs. 2022 Toyota GR Supra: The Numbers

Published on September 13, 2021 in Comparative Tests by Dominic Boucher

The Toyota GR Supra is great but Nissan wants to fight back with the next-generation Z, which was officially unveiled a few weeks ago. These two uniquely styled sports coupes have very similar technologies and performance attributes.

Should you buy a Supra now or wait for its rival to hit the market next year? We’ve compared the numbers and specs, and here’s what we found…

Powertrain: Z

The 2022 Toyota GR Supra can be had with either a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque or a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six that delivers 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

The 2023 Nissan Z offers a single engine option, but it beats both of the Supra’s. Look for a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine rated at 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. And on top of that, a six-speed manual transmission comes standard (a nine-speed autobox is optional). RWD is also part of the mix. You can understand why we gave the edge to the Z, here.

Performance: TBD

The four-cylinder GR Supra sprints from 0-100 km/h in five seconds, while the six-cylinder model does it in 4.1 seconds. Though Nissan cannot provide an exact time at this point, it predicts a 15-percent improvement in 0-100 km/h acceleration from the outgoing 370Z (5.8 seconds).

The GR Supra’s performance is enhanced by available launch control, 18- or 19-inch wheels on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, limited-slip rear differential, adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes with four-piston callipers up front. In top trim, the Z is almost identical except that it rides on Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires.

Since we don’t have the acceleration times or braking distances for the new Z, we can’t declare a winner for now. Suffice to say the battle will be extremely tight. We look forward to pitting them against each other on the track at some point in the next 12 months.

Fuel Economy: GR Supra

Fuel economy is not really a top concern for sports car buyers, but you should know the 2022 Toyota GR Supra 2.0 achieves a combined 8.4 L/100 km, which is surprisingly efficient, while the 3.0 model burns 9.4 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada.

It’s way too early to get the official ratings for the 2023 Nissan Z. However, the similarly powered Infiniti Q50/Q60 Red Sport averages 11.1 L/100 km.

Safety: Tie

The GR Supra comes with eight airbags and a suite of advanced safety features that includes automatic high beams, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, road sign recognition, lane departure alert with lane tracing assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

All future Z models will be equipped with a range of standard driver assistance and safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and forward collision warning.

None of these vehicles have been crash tested by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) so far.

Technology: GR Supra

The new Nissan Z puts a 12.3-inch customizable digital metre display in front of the driver and an eight-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, the latter compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher-trimmed models add a Bose premium sound system and NissanConnect with wireless hot spot.

Inside the GR Supra, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel combines with a similarly sized centre display. Since the car was developed together with BMW, the infotainment system is shared with the German automaker’s Z4 roadster. The more powerful and upscale 3.0 models also feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, head-up display and wireless charging for smartphones, enough to crown the Toyota as far as in-car technology is concerned.

Price: Z

The 2022 Toyota GR Supra starts at $56,510 in base 2.0 trim or $67,820 in 3.0 trim. The slightly more expensive A91 Edition is already sold out.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Nissan Z retails from $46,498 in base Sport trim with the manual gearbox. A Performance model with the automatic transmission costs $59,998.