Nissan has a rich history of creating exciting vehicles. For decades, the brand has produced some of the most iconic and beloved Nissan sports cars in the world. From the legendary Z series to the mighty GT-R, Nissan knows how to blend performance, style, and technology. These cars offer thrilling driving experiences that connect the driver to the road.
This list celebrates the best Nissan sports cars, ranked by their impressive speed and unforgettable design. We will look at what makes each car special, from its powerful engine to its sleek body. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the world of performance cars, this guide will show you why Nissan holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts.
The Legacy of Nissan Performance
Nissan’s journey into performance began many years ago. The company, once known as Datsun, started making waves with cars that were both affordable and fun to drive. The Datsun 240Z, introduced in 1969, changed everything. It proved that a sports car could be reliable, stylish, and powerful without a huge price tag. This car set the stage for generations of Nissan sports cars to come.
Over the years, Nissan continued to push the limits. The Silvia models became drift legends, while the Skyline GT-R earned the nickname “Godzilla” for dominating racetracks. Each new model brought fresh ideas and better technology. Today, Nissan’s Nismo division (Nissan Motorsport International Limited) continues this tradition, creating high-performance versions of its cars for the ultimate driving thrill.
1. Nissan GT-R Nismo (R35)
The Nissan GT-R Nismo is the king of Nissan performance. It represents the very best of the company’s engineering. Its aggressive look, with carbon fiber parts and a huge rear wing, shows it means business. The GT-R Nismo is a supercar that can compete with the most expensive cars in the world.
Under the hood lies a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, built by hand. It produces an amazing 600 horsepower. This power, combined with an advanced All Wheel Drive system, allows the GT-R Nismo to launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. It is a true testament to Nissan’s dedication to performance.
2. Nissan GT-R (R35)
The standard Nissan GT-R is a legend in its own right. Since its launch in 2007, it has been known as the “supercar killer.” It offers incredible performance that challenges cars costing twice as much. The GT-R’s design is all about function. Every line and vent is there to improve airflow and keep the car stable at high speeds.
Its twin turbo V6 engine delivers over 565 horsepower. The all wheel drive system is one of the smartest in the world, sending power to the wheels that need it most. This gives the GT-R amazing grip and control, whether on a straight road or a winding track. It is a masterpiece of modern automotive engineering.
3. Nissan Z (2023+)
The new Nissan Z brings back the classic spirit of the Z car with a modern twist. Its design pays tribute to its ancestors, like the 240Z and 300ZX. You can see it in the long hood, short deck, and round headlights. It is a beautiful car that looks fast even when it is standing still. This new model proves that the Z legacy is alive and well.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 horsepower. Unlike many modern sports cars, the Z is available with a six-speed manual transmission. This offers a more engaging and pure driving experience. The Nissan Z is a celebration of what makes sports cars great: power, style, and fun.
4. Nissan 370Z Nismo
The Nissan 370Z Nismo is a more focused and aggressive version of the standard 370Z. Nismo took a great sports car and made it even better for the track. The design features a special body kit with red accents, a larger rear wing, and lightweight wheels. It looks ready to race.
The 3.7-liter V6 engine was tuned to produce 350 horsepower. The suspension and chassis were also stiffened for sharper handling. This car provides a raw and connected driving feel that many enthusiasts love. The 370Z Nismo is a powerful and agile machine built for those who love to drive.
5. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is a global icon. Made famous by movies and video games, it is one of the most desired Nissan sports cars ever built. Its blocky, muscular design is instantly recognizable.
Its 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, the RB26DETT, was officially rated at 276 horsepower due to a gentleman’s agreement in Japan. However, its true output was much higher. The R34 is legendary for its tuning potential, with many examples easily reaching over 500 horsepower. It is a true performance legend.
6. Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z marked the return of the Z car in 2002 after a brief absence. It was a huge success, offering strong performance and classic sports car looks at an affordable price. Its smooth, rounded design and muscular stance made it a hit. The 350Z brought the Z car experience to a new generation.
It was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, known as the VQ35DE. This engine was praised for its smooth power delivery and great sound. With over 287 horsepower in early models, the 350Z was quick and fun. It offered a pure, rear wheel drive experience that made it a favorite for daily driving and track days.
7. Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo (Z32)
The Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo was a high-tech sports car from the 1990s. It was wide, low, and sleek, looking like something from the future.
Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine produced 300 horsepower, a big number for the time. This allowed it to compete with top sports cars from around the world. The 300ZX also featured advanced technology like four-wheel steering. It remains one of the most impressive Nissan sports cars ever made.
8. Nissan Silvia Spec R (S15)
The Nissan Silvia S15, especially the Spec R model, is a hero in the drifting community. Its lightweight body, balanced chassis, and Rear Wheel Drive layout make it perfect for going sideways. The S15 has a sharp, aggressive design that still looks modern today.
The Spec R was powered by the SR20DET, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It produced around 250 horsepower. While that might not sound like a lot, Silvia’s light weight made it very quick and agile. Its huge tuning potential has made it a favorite among tuners and racers.
9. Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z is the car that started it all. When it arrived in 1969, it shook up the sports car market. It had the style of a European sports car, the reliability of a Japanese car, and a price that many people could afford. Its long hood and classic fastback shape created a design that is still celebrated today.
Under the hood was a 2.4-liter inline six engine producing 151 horsepower. The 240Z was praised for its great handling and enjoyable driving experience. It proved that a sports car could be both exciting and practical. The 240Z is the foundation of Nissan’s entire sports car legacy.
10. Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
While not a traditional sports car, the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V deserves a spot on this list. It took a regular family sedan and turned it into a surprisingly fun performance car. Nissan Sentra SE-R offered a “sleeper” appeal, hiding its sporty nature under a normal exterior. It was a great example of an affordable, practical car that was also a joy to drive.
The Spec V model was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 175 horsepower. It came with a six speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential for better traction. Upgraded suspension and brakes made it handle like a much more expensive car. The Sentra SE-R Spec V was a fantastic sport compact that delivered big smiles for a small price.
