Audi RS5 vs Nissan Z
What's the difference?

Audi RS5

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2021 price

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Nissan Z

$58,990 - $81,990

2024 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2021 Audi RS5

2024 Nissan Z

By Andrew Chesterton

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 2.9L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

10.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Potent engine
Supermodel looks
Premium and polished interior

Extra performance
Balance of handling and ride
Great design

Dislikes

Tight rear seat in Coupe
Gearbox can feel fidgety at speed

No manual option
Awkward driver’s seat adjustability
Poor vision

2021 Audi RS5 Summary

Audi's A5 Coupe and Sportback have always been good looking cars. Yes, yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but seriously, just look at one and tell me it's not handsome.

Happily, the just-updated RS5 doesn't just build on the looks of its more sedate sibling, but on the performance, too, adding near-supercar speed to those supermodel looks.

Sounds like a pretty good match, right? Let's find out, shall we?

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2024 Nissan Z Summary

The Nissan Z is a real blueblood.

With Datsun, Nissan introduced the world to Japanese cars via a gruelling round-Australia rally in 1958 that had the country captivated. Within 10 years the 1600 made them respectable, but it was the 240Z of 1970 that also made them desirable.

Seven generations later, today’s RZ34-series Z – along with the Toyota/Subaru GR86/BRZ and Mazda MX-5 – embodies that nation’s tradition of affordable yet charismatic sports cars.

They’ve always been ripe for modifying as well, with Nissan leaning on its performance arm Nismo for 40 years. Which is exactly what the Z Nismo is all about, stepping up to take on the Toyota GR Supra, BMW M240i and Ford Mustang GT.

The old 370Z Nismo was a true corker. Let’s find out if this one does the family proud.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Audi RS5 2024 Nissan Z

Verdict

Good looking, good to drive, and good to simply sit in, the Audi RS5 range ticks plenty of premium boxes. Whether you can live with the practicality pitfalls of the Coupe is up to you, but if you can't, might I suggest taking a wander over to our RS4 Avant review?

Verdict

The Nismo turns up the wick just enough to justify its $20K premium over the brilliant regular Z.

Visual changes inside and out are one thing, but with tangible boosts in performance, handling and braking – with no detriment to ride quality or comfort – as a result of properly engineered upgrades, the RZ34 version deserves its place in Nissan’s sports car hall of fame.

Note, though, that good as it is, the Nismo is also a potent reminder of how solid a foundation the standard Z also is… especially in manual gearbox guise.

Audi RS5 vs Nissan Z What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS5 vs Nissan Z
What's the difference?