Nissan Z vs. Honda Civic
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Z and Honda Civic contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Nissan Z and the Honda Civic.
When we compare the Nissan Z's and the Honda Civic's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Z has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Z's and the Honda Civic's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic is a better car than the Nissan Z.
Pricing: A used 2024 Nissan Z ranges from $30,211 to $67,265 while a used 2024 Honda Civic is priced between $24,951 to $32,094. For a new model, the Nissan Z's price is between $44,162 and $69,421, with the Honda Civic priced between $25,044 and $32,100.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Z loses 30.4 percent of its value and the Honda Civic loses 23.5 percent of its value. This means the Honda Civic retains 6.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Z.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Z’s base engine makes 400 horsepower, and the Honda Civic base engine makes 158 horsepower. The Z is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles. This gives the Honda Civic the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Z. The Z uses premium unleaded, and the Civic uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Honda Civic, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, and cargo space. The Nissan Z, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Honda Civic has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Honda Civic has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,162 - $69,421
Starting MSRP:
$42,970
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$34,022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$28,985 - $42,970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$25,044 - $32,100
Starting MSRP:
$23,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$54,605
Price Range:
$30,211 - $67,265
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$50,979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$35,475 - $58,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
558
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
863
# Good or Great Deals:
36
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,777
Price Range:
$24,951 - $32,094
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,871
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
16,058
# Good or Great Deals:
246
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$13,428
Depreciation %:
31.2%
Resale Value $:
$29,542
Residual Value %:
68.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
23.9% - 44.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$5,875
Depreciation %:
24.5%
Resale Value $:
$18,075
Residual Value %:
75.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
Nissan Z Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Z
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Civic
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
41.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Nissan Z Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 10Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
23 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Z Trim Levels
NISMO, Performance, Sport
Honda Civic Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.113 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
138 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 28 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
312 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
31 / 40 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 496 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
52.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
14.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3549 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
51.8 inches
Length:
172.4 inches
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2877 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
184 inches
Wheelbase:
107.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Diamond Pearl
Blue
Seiran Blue Metallic/Super Black
Gray
Boulder Gray/Super Black / Gun Metallic
Red
Passion Red TriCoat/Super Black / Rosewood Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver/Super Black
White
Everest White Pearl TriCoat/Super Black
Yellow
Ikazuchi Yellow Pearl TriCoat/Super Black
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Aegean Blue Metallic
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic
Red
Rallye Red
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Graphite
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
