Nissan Z RZ34 vs Toyota Supra A90
“Same money, two opposite answers: the Supra is the sharper instrument, the Z is the more characterful companion.
The A90 Supra wins on hardware — reviewers call the B58 and its ZF8 auto the better powertrain-and-gearbox pairing, in a sharper, more capable, more serious chassis (and a steal modified). The trade is livability: a 'bunker'-like cockpit you can't see out of and a stiff ride.
The RZ34 Z answers with feel and usability — a 400-hp VR30 twin-turbo V6 that revs out willingly, more connected steering, and a roomier, better-visibility cabin you'd actually commute in. It just isn't as sharp or as polished, and its transmission trails the Toyota's.
Pick the compromise you'd rather live with: the Supra's focus or the Z's character.
you want the more characterful, more livable one — the rev-happy V6, the connected steering, the usable cabin — and you'll accept it isn't as sharp or polished as the Supra.
you want the sharper, faster, better-engineered driver's car with the superior gearbox — and you'll live with the bunker visibility and stiff ride to get it.
Buy the A90 Supra if outright capability and the B58/ZF8 powertrain are the point — it's the sharper, faster, more serious machine. Buy the RZ34 Nissan Z if you want feel, character, and a car you can live with daily — more connected steering and a roomier cabin, for less polish.
Handling is where reviewers split: the Z (especially the Nismo) earns praise for more connected steering feel, while the Supra is judged the sharper, more capable, more well-rounded car at the limit. Steering-feel seekers lean Z; outright-capability seekers lean Supra.
Performance
“this motor has more power of course than its direct rival, the Toyota GR Supra.”
Handling
“I have a sensation of the fact that the wheels are turning down there somewhere connected to what I do here”
Fun to drive
“Toyota actually had to develop the manual transmission... keep asking automakers for manuals and keep buying them more importantly because the Supra actually changed the tide on that one. However, there is really just one big upside. It's the way this thing drives... much like Nissan is considering putting a manual into their Nismo Nissan Z.”
“I do find the Supra to be superior, even the normal one, especially the manual transmission ones.”
Daily drivability
“I fit okay here in the Supra as a bigger guy. I've always found that I actually fit better in the Nissan Z. I have a little bit more shoulder room, it feels like there.”
“it is a little bit claustrophobic, more claustrophobic in here than a Nissan Z”
Value
“this car starts at under 40 thousand dollars uh and it's going to put vehicles like the supra to shame because you have to spend more to get the six cylinder supra”
