Reviews
Nissan Z Nismo Review: Brilliant, Flawed and Utterly Addictive
We spend a week with the 420 hp Nissan Z Nismo to see whether the experience lives up to the numbers.
| 0–60 mph | 4.5s |
|---|---|
| Power | 420 hp |
| Top speed | 163 mph |
| Layout | RWD |
Every so often a car comes along that reminds you why driving can be a pleasure rather than a chore. The Nissan Z Nismo is one of those cars, and we spent a week trying to find its limits.
Performance
Power stands at 420 hp, enough for a 4.5s dash to 60 mph and a 163 mph top speed. What stays with you is not the violence of the acceleration but the precision with which it is delivered.
On the road
Through a sequence of corners the Z Nismo feels alert and trustworthy. Its RWD configuration delivers traction when you want it and adjustability when you ask for it, the kind of breadth that separates a great driver’s car from a merely fast one.
The best fast cars do not just go quickly — they make you want to go quickly again.
Living with it
Day to day the Z Nismo is more civilised than its mission suggests. The ride settles on the motorway, the cabin is well built, and the technology is modern without burying every control in a menu.
The verdict
The Nissan Z Nismo earns its place. It is fast, engaging and surprisingly complete, the sort of car that justifies its existence the moment you turn the wheel.
