Compare the2024 Nissan ZVS 2023 Audi TT

The Z has standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The TT doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The Z’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The TT doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Z’s standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The TT doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The Z’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The TT doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Z and the TT have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

Nissan’s powertrain warranty covers the Z 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the TT. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the TT ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 4 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Z’s warranty.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Z has a standard 580-amp battery. The TT’s 330-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan above average in initial quality. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 27 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Nissan higher than Audi.

The Z’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 172 more horsepower (400 vs. 228) and 92 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 258) than the TT 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Z’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 112 more horsepower (400 vs. 288) and 70 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 280) than the TTS’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Z NISMO’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 132 more horsepower (420 vs. 288) and 104 lbs.-ft. more torque (384 vs. 280) than the TTS’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Nissan Z 3.0 is faster than the TT 45 TFSI (automatics tested):

The Z has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the TT (16.4 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is available on the Nissan Z, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the TT.

For better stopping power the Z’s brake rotors are larger than those on the TT:

The Z’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the TT 45 TSFI are solid, not vented.

The Z has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The TT doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Z’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the TT (100.4 inches vs. 98.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Z is 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the TT.

For better maneuverability, the Z’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the TT’s (32.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

The Z Performance/NISMO uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The TT doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Z has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more front legroom and .6 inches more front shoulder room than the TT Coupe.

The Z Manual can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Z can be unhitched and driven around locally. The TT can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Z’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Audi does not offer a locking feature on the TT’s standard power windows.

Consumer Reports rated the Z’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the TT’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Z detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The TT doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Z has standard extendable sun visors. The TT doesn’t offer extendable visors.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Z has a standard Intelligent Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The TT doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Nissan Z and the Audi TT, based on reliability, safety and performance.