Twice the Power for Less: Nissan Z is now Cheaper than a Miata
Car Culture

Twice the Power for Less: Nissan Z is now Cheaper than a Miata

Sports car fans, brace yourselves—because the performance-to-price game just got a major shakeup. In an unexpected twist worthy of a motorsports movie, the 400-horsepower Nissan Z has dipped into price ranges typically reserved for the much lighter, less powerful Mazda MX-5 Miata. Yes, you read that correctly—thanks to a combination of generous manufacturer incentives and dealer discounts, you could now find yourself behind the wheel of a twin-turbo V6-powered Z for the kind of money you'd normally spend on Mazda’s pint-sized roadster. Let’s explore more!

The Breakdown: Power Meets Price Cuts

When it debuted, the Nissan Z Sport came in at a starting price of $44,110. But current deals are rewriting that figure in bold. Nissan is now offering a $3,000 customer incentive along with $1,000 in dealer cash, effectively bringing the Z’s base price closer to $40,000. Want that striking Bayside Blue on a 2025 model? There may be an additional incentive of up to $2,000 just waiting in the wings.

 

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And it gets better. Some dealerships are revving up the offers even more. One standout deal in New Rochelle, New York, slashed a whopping $10,265 off the MSRP of a Z Nismo, dropping it to just $58,395. Meanwhile, over in Phoenix, a base Z Sport was spotted at $36,795 after a stunning $9,000 discount.

Nissan Z vs. Mazda Miata: Not Just Apples and Oranges

Let’s put things into perspective. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring with an automatic transmission carries a price tag of $36,935. For just a few thousand more—or, in some cases, even less—you could be driving a machine with more than double the power.

 

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The Miata has long held its place as a darling of the lightweight sports car segment, delivering 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. But if your tastes lean more toward straight-line thrills and highway dominance, the Z brings 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque to the table—a seriously spicy upgrade.

What’s Behind the Price Shift?

The sports car segment is no stranger to sudden shifts, and Nissan’s recent pricing moves appear to be a strategic play to maintain momentum after a strong Q1 showing. With the Z recently outselling rivals like the Toyota Supra, Nissan seems eager to keep its foot on the gas and its sales charts climbing.

The Final Flag

If you've been flirting with the idea of owning a sports car, this may be your golden opportunity. The Nissan Z’s current pricing sweetens the deal to near-irresistible levels, combining muscular performance with real-world affordability. That said, deals like these rarely linger in the rearview mirror for long—so if you're ready to upgrade your daily drive to something with a little more roar, now's the time to make your move.

 

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Note: Always check with local dealerships for the most current pricing and availability, as deals can vary by location and over time. All the mentioned prices are as of April 2025.

 

Already own a Nissan Z or a Mazda Miata? Select your car from below and get the best performance upgrade today!

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