Tested: Mustang Mach 1 vs 2023 Nissan Z Performance - Comparison Review

[Conman1138]

most of the benefits can be achieved with E30/E40 no? Stock fuel system on the Mustang can handle that, even the EB and gen2 Coyote.

I don't claim to be an expert, and I have heard something like that before, I remember E50 being the magic number. But there is definitely still more power to be made with higher ethanol content in a turbocharged engine.

The stock fuel system on a gen 3 Coyote can handle full E85 as long as it remains mechanically stock (Any other mods on top would probably require fuel upgrades).

Sponsored

 

[Shadow277]

Only the Handling Pack gives you those 300s. The base Mach 1 comes with the same tires as PP GTs (though those 255/275 PS4s are still more than enough for every buyer that doesn't go to the track).



In these specs? Where have you seen that? All things being equal, I'm 99.9% certain that the Z has zero chance on just about any track. Hell, I very much doubt it has a shot against even a "base" Mach 1 (no handling pack) or a PP GT, but with a simple tire upgrade, it probably would.

Regar GT.

 

[Shadow277]

Streets of Willow, Randy Pobst Driving:

2018 Mustang GT, PP1 (MANUAL): 1:23.97
Source:




2023 Nissan Z, Performance Trim (MANUAL): 1:25.32
(AUTO): 1:24.76
Source(Lap times at 10:42):


The Z might fare better on a much tighter track where its weight advantage can come into play, but it is still held back by those tires.

The base is closer to the Z I think and you aim't cornerimg om skinny 235s squared.

 

[Conman1138]

The base is closer to the Z I think and you aim't cornerimg om skinny 235s squared.

The base Mustang GT is also $4k cheaper than the cheapest (slowest) Z. In fact, the cheapest PP1 GT is only $4k more than the base Z, and is $5k cheaper than the Performance trim Z it compares to. The Mustang is arguably more bang for your buck, but the prices are close enough that choosing between the two is just up to preference.

And in today's market, getting either car close to MSRP is pretty damn difficult.


Base GT

https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/

Cheapest GT PP1

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39971441/2023-nissan-z-pricing/

 

[Freedom]

i know its nit picky but damn they kept those stupid door handles from the 350/70z?!?!

 

[DopamineQuest]

Streets of Willow, Randy Pobst Driving:

2018 Mustang GT, PP1 (MANUAL): 1:23.97
Source:




2023 Nissan Z, Performance Trim (MANUAL): 1:25.32
(AUTO): 1:24.76
Source(Lap times at 10:42):


The Z might fare better on a much tighter track where its weight advantage can come into play, but it is still held back by those tires.

Pobst was short shifting the hell out of that PP1 too though.

 

[Mikepol2]

Looks like our counterparts on the Z forum are salty about the results...

https://www.nissanzclub.com/forum/threads/car-and-driver-z-vs-mustang-mach-1.1277/

 

[Conman1138]

Looks like our counterparts on the Z forum are salty about the results...

https://www.nissanzclub.com/forum/threads/car-and-driver-z-vs-mustang-mach-1.1277/

They have every right to be, this comparison from C&D is ridiculous. The Perf trim Z competes with the GT PP1 in price and performance, not the HP Mach 1. And for the prices Nissan is asking, it absolutely should come with better tires.

 

[RocketGuy3]

Regar GT.

Ah, a regular, base GT? Yeah, I'm sure this performance Z could take it in most performance tests... as well it better since it's brand new and like $10K more lol.

 

[Meatball]

Not to drag the conversation back to this but this particular M1 is a dud. It’s slower in trap speed than every manual coyote C&D ever tested, including the 412hp 2011, and especially all other S550s. And the two Bullitts and one other manual M1 they tested were 7mph faster. It wasn’t conditions - the Z is right where it should be in terms of trap speed. They tested a dud, shame on Ford for not properly making sure the car could represent for a major car mag comparison test.

 

[Shadow277]

The base Mustang GT is also $4k cheaper than the cheapest (slowest) Z. In fact, the cheapest PP1 GT is only $4k more than the base Z, and is $5k cheaper than the Performance trim Z it compares to. The Mustang is arguably more bang for your buck, but the prices are close enough that choosing between the two is just up to preference.

And in today's market, getting either car close to MSRP is pretty damn difficult.


Base GT

https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/

Cheapest GT PP1

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39971441/2023-nissan-z-pricing/

I'm sticking with tbe GT but c'mon on man, the Z is a slick roadster and I think what's more important is that this would still be considered a driver's battle in your case. Mometarily, I think the Z would win dollar for dollar.

 

[Shadow277]

Ah, a regular, base GT? Yeah, I'm sure this performance Z could take it in most performance tests... as well it better since it's brand new and like $10K more lol.

No AMD.

 

[Conman1138]

I'm sticking with tbe GT but c'mon on man, the Z is a slick roadster and I think what's more important is that this would still be considered a driver's battle in your case. Mometarily, I think the Z would win dollar for dollar.

The Z is simply not a better performing package dollar for dollar, the Mustang is cheaper in both trims. The Z could easily be more FUN to drive, and I'm looking forward to test driving one myself.

I'm not trying to bash the new Z, I really really like it. But I'm also not going to ignore reviews and hype it up as the better performer when that hasn't been proven.

 

[RocketGuy3]

No AMD.

You write some very short, cryptic posts lol. I have no idea what you're saying here.

 

[Medsport]

Oh wow, I just got around to reading the actual C&D article as I just assumed the Z was slower due to the comments on this thread, but no it beat the Mach 1 on just about all the acceleration numbers except for top speed. Am I missing something, how did that happen with the Mach's power advantage and better grip? Like others stated, it should have been put against a regular GT and add the performance pack if you like. But still, the Z is cheaper, quicker and gets better mileage. Put some better tires on it and the handling would most likely be a toss up too. Not to mention how much cheaper and easier it is to get more hp and tq out of a turbo car compared to an NA. I may have to check one out now as I kind of put it on the back burner after hearing the initial reviews. I'm not holding my breath though as I'm sure there will be some hefty ADM's at least for the first 6 months or so.

Sponsored