The JDM Sports Car Dilemma: Nissan Z NISMO Vs Toyota GR Supra Final Edition

The Nissan Z and Toyota GR Supra are two of the most talked about modern-day sports cars to come from Japanese manufacturers. With the Z going through an important visual update in 2027, and the fifth-generation Supra going out of production, both companies released high-performance variants of both. 

The two models have immense communities surrounding them, and neither can seem to decide which one provides more value for the money. Many point to the GR Supra as being more refined, while the Nissan Z always seems to be coming at a significantly lower price, especially when bought from a Nissan dealer that is willing to sell at reasonable prices. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the next-generation Supra can go hybrid, so this may be your last chance to get one with an inline-six. 

With all the knowledge and experience we have with the GR Supra and Z, it is important to provide a tangible way of how these two stack together. 

The two sports cars are very close on paper, but there is more to the story

The Nissan Z is largely based on the 370Z, and even carries over the same chassis and wheelbase. That said, unlike the Sport and Performance trims, the NISMO packs sportier suspension, stiffer bushings, and more structural bracing. This results in a 2.5-percent better torsional rigidity. 

It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it makes a world of difference in the corners, compared to the regular Z, which is set up more as a sporty GT than an all-out sports car. By far, the best news regarding the Z NISMO is that from 2026, it will also be available with a six-speed manual, although some might say it’s a bit late.

Nissan Z NISMO specifications

• Engine: 3.0-liter, VR30DDTT, twin-turbo, V-6
• Power: 420 horsepower at 6,400 RPM
• Torque: 384 pound-feet at 2,000-5,200 RPM
• Transmission and drivetrain: 9-speed automatic / 6-speed manual, RWD
• Curb weight: 3,703 pounds (for the automatic)
• 0-60 mph: 3.9-4.2 seconds
• Top speed: 165 mph

The Z NISMO also comes with upgraded cooling. This includes an additional intercooler, upgraded engine oil cooler, an auxiliary heat exchanger, and a larger front grille. Speaking of grilles, the 2027 Nissan Z will feature an upgraded front end, which is a great improvement over the current design. 

The Toyota GR Supra Final Edition features slightly more extensive updates over the standard car, compared to the NISMO Z

When it comes to making a high-performance version of a sports car, the formula is, more or less, the same. More power, more stiffness, more aero, better cooling, and in some cases, less weight. Like the Z NISMO, the GR Supra Final Edition has all that, and more. Toyota has added a baffled oil pan, which reduces the chance of oil starvation during hard lateral loads. 

Toyota GR Supra Final Edition specifications

• Engine: 3.0-liter, B58, turbocharged, inline-six
• Power: 429 horsepower at 6,000 RPM
• Torque: 420 pound-feet at 4,500 RPM
• Transmission and drivetrain: 8-speed automatic / 6-speed manual, RWD
• Curb weight: 3,368 pounds 
• 0-60 mph: 3.9-4.2 seconds
• Top speed: 170 mph

Like the Nissan, the Supra features a more aggressive, aerodynamic body kit, and a more race-inspired interior with lots of carbon fiber, red accents, and Alcantara. An additional touch for the GR Supra Final Edition is the half-cage behind the seats.

The more expensive car might actually make more sense, and here’s why

It is no surprise that both sports cars come at a premium, and this is where things start swaying more towards Toyota’s model. Despite the Z outselling the GR Supra in 2025, people have always frowned upon the price of the NISMO, which is almost $12,000 more than the Performance trim. 

The GR Supra is more expensive to begin with, with the base, 3.0-liter model starting at $58,300. Meanwhile, the Final Edition will set you back $67,950, which isn’t a whole lot, given the upgrades you get over the standard car. 

But the Supra has an important trick up its sleeve - exclusivity. While there isn’t an official production cap for the NISMO Z, the GR Supra Final Edition will be limited to 1,600 copies for the whole world. Of those, 1,300 are North America-bound.

The GR Supra is also a much newer platform, even if shared with BMW. If we compare the regular variants, Toyota’s model also handles slightly better around a track, but these aren’t base variants. I think people will naturally gravitate to whatever camp they belong to, but comparing these cars in such a way aims to give a new perspective on how they compare. 

Although I’ve always had a soft spot for Nissan sports cars, I can’t help but see how the MkV Supra Final Edition offers slightly more for the money. Let me know in the comments below, which one would you pick?

Image source: 2024 Nissan Z NISMO, Toyota GR Supra Final Edition

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.