Is Nissan Z faster than Supra?
Yes — in most straight-line tests the Nissan Z delivers faster acceleration and a higher top speed than the Toyota GR Supra's standard configurations. But the Supra can still deliver strong performance, especially in its higher-performance trims, and real-world results depend on transmission choice, tires, and driving conditions.
How the two sports coupes stack up
The following comparison outlines the core performance attributes that influence speed and acceleration for the current-generation models. Note that exact times can vary with trim, transmission, tires, and track conditions.
- Nissan Z — Powertrain: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6; horsepower around 400 hp; torque around 350 lb-ft; available transmissions include a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic; 0-60 mph times generally in the mid-to-high 3-second range depending on configuration; top speed approximately 195 mph (electronically limited).
- Toyota GR Supra — Powertrain options: 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 (approximately 255 hp) and 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 (approximately 382 hp); transmissions: 8-speed automatic standard; manual was limited/rare and not widely available in recent years; 0-60 mph times typically around the low to mid-4-second range for the 3.0L automatic variant; top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (with some packages offering minor increases in certain markets).
Conclusion: Across the lineup, the Nissan Z generally posts quicker 0-60 times and a higher top speed than the Supra’s more common configurations. The Supra, however, remains a highly capable athlete with strong midrange punch and exceptionally balanced handling, particularly in its higher-performance trims and with appropriate tires.
Real-world implications: acceleration, top speed, and track living room
To understand whether one car is definitively faster than the other, it helps to translate the numbers into driving scenarios most buyers care about: cadence on a straight, how quickly you reach highway speeds, and how the car feels on a winding road or track. The Nissan Z’s higher horsepower helps it launch with authority, while the Supra’s turbocharged variants excel in driver engagement and cornering balance.
— In testing, the Z’s higher output often yields quicker 0-60 times, especially with the automatic, while the Supra’s 3.0L model remains extremely capable but commonly sits a touch behind the Z in straight-line sprints. Tire choice and launch control (where applicable) can tilt results in either direction. — The Z typically overtakes the Supra at high speeds due to its greater soft-limit potential; the Supra’s top speed is limited to 155 mph in most markets, which constrains top-end advantage compared with the Z's higher limit.
Conclusion: In everyday driving and most road scenarios, the Nissan Z tends to feel quicker off the line and has the edge on top speed. The Supra, however, shines with a more refined midrange, precise steering, and a chassis tune that rewards finesse on twisty roads and track sessions.
Handling, chassis, and feel
Beyond raw numbers, the driving experience matters. Both cars come from different design philosophies, which shapes how they behave on the street and on the track.
- Nissan Z — A front-mid or near-midweight layout with strong engine mass forward of the wheels, offering direct throttle response and a tactile, engaged feel. Some drivers prize the manual transmission for involvement, while others favor the smoother, quicker shifts of the automatic in real-world traffic and on the road.
- Toyota GR Supra — A chassis tuned for balance and precision, with communicative steering and a composed mid-corner feel. The Supra tends to reward high-speed cornering precision and driver inputs that keep the car squared up through turns; adaptive suspension options further tailor handling to conditions.
Conclusion: Both are excellent sports coupes with distinct flavors. If you value raw acceleration and a louder performance character, the Z is a strong pick. If you prize cornering poise, steering feedback, and refined on-limit behavior, the Supra remains exceptionally capable.
Bottom line
For speed enthusiasts focused on straight-line speed and top-end potential, the Nissan Z typically offers faster acceleration and a higher top speed than the Toyota GR Supra in its most common configurations. For those who prioritize driver engagement, steering, and track-focused handling, the Supra remains a formidable rival with a refined driving character. Prospective buyers should consider the specific trim, transmission, tires, and intended use (daily driving vs. track days) when weighing which car is “faster” for their needs.
Summary
The Nissan Z, with its 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, generally delivers quicker 0-60 times and a higher electronically limited top speed than the Supra’s typical configurations. The Toyota GR Supra, especially in its 3.0L form, offers excellent handling, precise steering, and strong midrange performance that can match or nearly match the Z in certain conditions. In short, the Z is usually quicker in a straight line, while the Supra shines in balance and driving refinement. Both are compelling choices in the modern sports-car segment, and the best pick depends on what you value most: straight-line speed or track-ready handling and engagement.
