Highlights of the 2023 Nissan Z Performance Street Drive:
- I recently drove a 2023 manual transmission Nissan Z Performance on the roads around Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
- While the Z Performance isn’t the sharpest sports car, it’s fun and more than fast enough to lose traction on a rainy road
- The Z feels like the sort of car many people mistake a stock Ford Mustang GT for, i.e. a stylish sports car that’s satisfying to drive outside of straight-line scenarios
Cars & Coffee’s crash memes notwithstanding, the Ford Mustang is a decently sporty car. But apart from the high-priced Shelby GT500 and maybe the Mach 1, it’s not really a sports car. Sure, some people just want it to make sick V8 noise and drive fast in a straight line while looking cool, which it’s pretty good at. But without some chassis and suspension upgrades, the Mustang isn’t the best choice for exploring twisty roads. But there’s a better one: the 2023 Nissan Z Performance.
The 2023 Nissan Z upgraded the 370Z’s energy and retro sports car vibes
| 2023 Nissan Z Performance | |
| engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 |
| hp | 400 hp |
| torque | 350 lb ft |
| transmission | Six-speed manual transmission |
| curb weight | 3536 pounds |
| 0-60mph time | 4.5 seconds |
| Price | $49,990 (MSRP) $53,610 (as tested) |
Like the Ford Mustang, the 2023 Nissan Z has numerous references to previous Z cars. However, one is hidden under the skin. Technically, the 2023 Z shares a platform with the outgoing 370Z. However, do not take this statement out of context and do not confuse the mood.
For one thing, Nissan reworked or replaced about 80% of the 370Z’s parts for the 2023 Z. Second, the Z is stiffer than the 370Z and runs on wider front tires and stiffer springs, anti-roll bars and shocks. Additionally, these shocks are mono-tube designs rather than twin-tube designs. And while the Nissan Z Performance has a limited-slip differential like the 370Z, it’s mechanical rather than viscous. So it’s more consistent and communicative, not to mention less sensitive to the choice of different liquids.
Some might be sad to see the 370Z’s naturally aspirated VQ V6 go. However, the 2023 Nissan Z’s twin-turbo V6 produces more power and torque. While there’s a new optional nine-speed automatic, the stick six-speed remains with a few internal upgrades. Also, the V6 features a Ferrari-like turbine speed sensor with a matching interior display.
The interior of the 2023 Nissan Z Performance features some 370Z-like elements in a good way
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Speaking of the interior, it’s almost as retro as the exterior. Yes, the 2023 Nissan Z has a 12.3-inch digital gauge and 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the performance models get a 9.0-inch display with navigation. But the rest of the cabin is beautiful in its purposeful simplicity and analog nature. The HVAC controls, for example, are physical dials that rotate satisfactorily. And the turbine speed indicator is one of three physical gauges that remain permanently mounted to the dash. Also, the Z’s interior is much more open and airy than the Supra’s interior.
It’s that old-school feel that has made the 370Z appealing despite, or perhaps because of, its age. And it’s not a bad thing at all that the 2023 Z brings those vibes with it too. You can even specify a base Z Sport with no ADAS capabilities. That might sound like a deal-breaker to some, but it’s also an important part of this sports car’s appeal.
And it only gets more attractive when you hit the streets.
2023 Nissan Z Performance: Hide your Ford Mustang GT
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Full disclosure, it was raining as I recently drove the 2023 Nissan Z Performance around Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin’s winding forest-hill roads. Also, I found out later that the manual car I was driving had very little rear tires left. At this point I put two and two together in terms of tail squirm, which I noticed during enthusiastic 1-2 shifts. Credit to the Z, but the squirming was more fun than scary.
Oddly enough, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 I drove at the Road America circuit last year didn’t have a curvy rear end. However, it also had the optional handling package with chassis tweaks, lighter wheels, additional aero features and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The latter recently found to be grippier than the Z Performance’s Bridgestone tires. And remember, I rode the Mach 1 at line speed.
But while the Mach 1 is the better track car, hitting 60 mph faster, it also has more suspension struts than the Z, not to mention MagneRide shocks and Brembo brakes. Furthermore, despite all these upgrades, the Mach 1 couldn’t hide the fact that it was based on a Ford Mustang GT. It’s capable, sure, but it’s also a bit too heavy and deaf – in terms of response and steering feel – to be really fun. Oh, and it costs over $10,000 more than the Z Performance.
You know that Invincible Meme, the one where Omni-Man Invincible says, “Look at what they need to mimic a fraction of our power”? That’s kind of how it felt driving the 2023 Nissan Z and reminiscing about my Mustang ride. The Mach 1 produces better numbers, but the Z evokes better feelings.
This throwback sports car is worth driving without rose-colored glasses
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That’s not to say the 2023 Nissan Z Performance is perfect. Aside from the worn tires, the Z isn’t as light, sharp, or fast as the Toyota Supra. While the automatic model is louder, it’s not nearly as fun to drive. Mainly, road & track says that’s because it’s slow even if you use the paddles. And the price of the performance spec might intimidate some potential buyers, especially when compared to used 370Z prices.
But something happened at Elkhart Lake when I climbed into the 2023 Nissan Z Performance: I stopped caring about numbers. Yes, the Supra is more nimble at the limit. But how do you push the limits of grip in a crowded city with straight streets? That’s a scenario where the Ford Mustang makes a lot of sense. And this is where the Z makes even more sense.
In the real world, the manual Z is just as fast as the manual Mustang GT. While not the ultimate word for feedback, the Z’s steering is far more communicative, not to mention better weighted. It also offers more feedback than the Supra 3.0 I rode at the track earlier that day. And while the lighter Supra feels more agile, the Z again turns and shifts quicker than the Ford. The Supra also slows the Z down, but on the rain-soaked roads the Z Performance’s brakes were more than powerful enough.
Nissan wanted the 2023 Z to be a dance partner for the streets. Mission accomplished I say. In addition to steering, the chassis and suspension limit body roll, but not so much that you can’t feel weight transfer. Speaking of the suspension, it’s surprisingly compliant for a sports car. Also, while not as satisfyingly weighty as the Mach 1’s cue-ball shifter, the Z’s manual feels like a grown-up version of the Miata’s shifter in the best possible way.
As I said before, people often buy Ford Mustangs for the performance, not the performance itself. And there’s nothing wrong with buying a Mustang because you want retro sports car vibes. But why feel like you’re driving a retro sports car when you can buy the real thing?
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