Car and Driver: Z vs. Mustang Mach 1

[280driver]

Another head scratcher comparison for the Z. I am starting to think CD has an axe to grind with Nissan.
https://www.caranddriver.com/review...issan-z-vs-2021-ford-mustang-mach-1-compared/

 

[GrishTXU]

You may be on to something about CD…

The bottom line for me is that I want a Z because it’s a Z. The performance of other cars and any of their other distinguishing characteristics have zero impact on my buying decision.

 

[jdm-rhd]

not sure this was a fair fight...

the z with 400hp / 350tq with crappy tires

vs

mach 1 @ 480hp / 410tq on cup 2's

yeah the z is 300lbs lighter, but should be compared to the gt which is closer to its price range.

to be fair, there should be a future fight between the mach 1 and hopefully a much better/faster nismo.

i didn't finish the article...maybe i will later when/if care to. got better things to do right now...

 

[Raven1]

not sure this was a fair fight...

the z with 400hp / 350tq with crappy tires

vs

mach 1 @ 480hp / 410tq on cup 2's

yeah the z is 300lbs lighter, but should be compared to the gt which is closer to its price range.

to be fair, there should be a future fight between the mach 1 and hopefully a much better/faster nismo.

i didn't finish the article...maybe i will later when if care to. got better things to do right now...

I wouldn't call it even, CD 'Leveled Up' with a brakes and suspension package!
Stang comes with better sways and Mag suspension, while the package adds better wheels & tires + Aero package that provides a 150% increase in down force.

Comparing results, with shit tires, the Zee out performed the Mach 1 in most categories except for handling, braking distance. Not surprising as the Stang has larger 6 Piston Brembo Brake Calipers but 13" rotors. The Zee has 14" rotors w/ 4 piston calipers.

As tested these are the MTs, the Zee times are improved with the 9Speed AT.
Haven't really followed CD in years and this writer is one of the reasons why . . .

 

[280driver]

It really comes off as if CD is looking for reasons to nitpick the Z. Why do these mis-match comparisons? For me, the big story was that the Z out performed the Mach 1 except for handling (tires….again..), but that was glossed over in their story.

 

[SS727Z]

That comment section is aggressive lol

 

[Houston.RZ34]

This comparison was absolutely ridiculous, the Z is fighting with one arm behind it's back with that stock rubber.

 

[Blackbeard]

they ran a perf z which is 52-53k vs a 54k Mach 1 which it’s in the price range and what would be cross shopped like I cross shopped all 3 before I got the Supra, they are showing you what you get dollar for dollar , stock for stock

 

[280driver]

they ran a perf z which is 52-53k vs a 54k Mach 1 which it’s in the price range and what would be cross shopped like I cross shopped all 3 before I got the Supra, they are showing you what you get dollar for dollar , stock for stock

As tested, the Z was $53k and the Mach 1 was $61k.

Part of that sizable price difference was a $3,750 handling package that added those Michelin Pilot Cup tires.

 

[Blackbeard]

the cup 2 come standard the handling pack justs gives u 315 in the rear and 305 fronts but still cup 2

 

[280driver]

the cup 2 come standard the handling pack justs gives u 315 in the rear and 305 fronts but still cup 2

Thats my point. It’s not a stock for stock comparison.

 

[Blackbeard]

Thats my point. It’s not a stock for stock comparison.

i mean its stock from the factory but i get it .. but handling pack or no handling pack the outcome is similar.. cept that horrid 1/4 mile time they ran but whatever

 

[280driver]

i mean its stock from the factory but i get it .. but handling pack or no handling pack the outcome is similar.. cept that horrid 1/4 mile time they ran but whatever

A fair comparison would be the stock $53k Z against the stock $54k Mach 1. The big difference in this comparison was the handling which could easily be attributed to that added handling package.

 

[Blackbeard]

i mean yea i guess maybe in the future the Z might get a handling pack maybe...but at this point its whatever people can get there hands on is what i noticed in alot of these like they ran the New teggy vs a Gti ... in one i saw

 

[Raven1]

A fair comparison would be the stock $53k Z against the stock $54k Mach 1. The big difference in this comparison was the handling which could easily be attributed to that added handling package.

I agree, install upgraded sway bars, Tein EDFC Active Suspension and 19" Wheels 10.5 Front / 19" 11.0 rears with the same tires as the Mach 1 (we know the Zee will accommodate wider tires than these) + 6 Piston Front / 4 Piston Rear Brembos and you have a more 1 to 1 comparison.

Then all of the compared values shift over to the Zee . . .