2 Series Coupe vs Z
Choosing between BMW and Nissan often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the sports car class, that pair is the 2 Series Coupe and the Z. Across 4 compared areas, the 2 Series Coupe takes 3. The widest gap shows up under fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Z wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality 2 Series Coupe wins
- Off-road & Towing 2 Series Coupe wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.8
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Z has 145 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 400 hp to the 2 Series Coupe’s 255 hp, the Z has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The Z’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The 2 Series Coupe has better fuel economy
Put simply, the 2 Series Coupe is far ahead here: 30 mpg compared with 20 mpg. The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The 2 Series Coupe has room for 4 seats
The 2 Series Coupe’s 4 seats leaves the Z’s 2 seats well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The Z has 55 lb-ft more torque
Not a close call. The Z lists 350 lb-ft and the 2 Series Coupe lists 295 lb-ft. That’s a substantial gap. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The 2 Series Coupe has better highway fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 35 mpg against 24 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 2 Series Coupe. The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 172.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 100.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,486 lb Heaviest in class |
Engine & Performance
Z leads
No contest in engine & performance: the Z is the stronger of the two. The Z gives you 145 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. That makes the Z the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
2 Series Coupe: 255 hp Z: 400 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
2 Series Coupe: 295 lb-ft Z: 350 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Coupe leads
The 2 Series Coupe dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. In its favor, the 2 Series Coupe has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the 2 Series Coupe has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
2 Series Coupe: 30 mpg Z: 20 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
2 Series Coupe: 35 mpg Z: 24 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
2 Series Coupe leads
The Z has a tough time in the space & practicality section, where the 2 Series Coupe pulls well ahead. The 2 Series Coupe delivers room for 4 seats. The 2 Series Coupe has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the 2 Series Coupe is the stronger car.
Seats
2 Series Coupe: 4 seats Z: 2 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
2 Series Coupe leads
A modest lead on off-road & towing belongs to the 2 Series Coupe. The 2 Series Coupe pulls ahead with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. On off-road & towing alone, the 2 Series Coupe gets the nod.
AWD / 4WD available
2 Series Coupe: yes Z: no The 2 Series Coupe offers all-wheel drive; the Z doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the 2 Series Coupe’s and the Z’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 400 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (9-speed automatic available) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats (winner) | 2 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | Z |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 172.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 100.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,486 lb Heaviest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2 Series Coupe if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 20 mpg combined)
- you need more seats (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 24 mpg on the highway)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 18 mpg in the city)
Choose the Z if…
- you want more power (400 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (350 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Nissan’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 2 Series Coupe or the Z?
For most people, the 2 Series Coupe is the stronger choice, unless what you want most is 145 hp more power.
Executive Summary
The 2 Series Coupe and the Z are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. To me, the standout is that the 2 Series Coupe offers better fuel economy. There’s more, too: the 2 Series Coupe offers room for 4 seats. To be fair, the Z has 145 hp more power, and that’s not nothing.
For fuel economy & range, the 2 Series Coupe fits better. For engine & performance, the Z is the better match.
My pick: the 2 Series Coupe, unless you know that 145 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.