The Nissan Z series has formed part of the Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) lineup since the days of the 350Z.

Even amid fluctuating fuel prices and economic loop-de-loops from the COVID-19 pandemic, NPI has always ensured that its iconic rear-wheel-drive sports car was available to Filipino enthusiasts.

The Japanese carmaker launched the latest version of the Z (known elsewhere as the 400Z) locally on September 2, 2023, alongside the latest version of the venerable R35 Nissan GT-R.

One notable aspect of the all-new Z was its price – at just ₱3,888,000 for either manual or automatic variant, it undercuts its biggest rival, the Toyota GR Supra, by over ₱1.5 million.

The Nissan’s pricetag also puts it directly in the firing line of the sensational Honda Civic Type R, which costs just ₱8,000 less (assuming the dealers don’t mark it up to high heaven). 

So if you have ₱4 million to burn, which turbocharged sports car should you go for – one of the world’s finest hot hatchbacks or one of the world’s longest-running two-seat sports cars?

We find out in this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Spec Showdown.

Sports cars in different guises

The Z and the Civic Type R are out-and-out sports cars, interpreted in unique ways.

The Nissan Z revives the lines of the classic 240Z, especially with its long hood, short rear end and oval-shaped LED headlights.

Meanwhile, some accuse the Civic Type R of looking like a Civic RS Turbo with a wing on the back. But everything in the Honda is purposeful, designed to dominate races and set track records.

Looks-wise, it’s apples and oranges. But nothing speaks to me like a sleek, rear-wheel-drive sports car.

Honda far more practical

Step inside these two high-performance machines and you get totally different vibes.

The Nissan Z cocoons you with its plush, leather-lined, two-seat cabin. From the traditional auxiliary gauges on top of the dashboard to the air-conditioning vents in the doors, the Z really feels like a proper sports car.

Meanwhile, the larger Type R is a pure hot hatch – savage performance with the immense practicality of a five-door hatchback. The Honda easily seats four people and has far more luggage space than the Nissan.

Style-wise, both are exciting places to be in, so I’ll call it a tie.

Nissan much faster

This is what the Z and Civic Type R were built for – giving you the ultimate in acceleration, handling and braking.

The Z is a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, with near-perfect weight distribution. The standard limited-slip differential not only means more stable power on corner exits, but also the ability to get the Z properly sideways.

Meanwhile, the Civic Type R has redefined what is possible with a turbocharged, front-wheel-drive chassis. From a trick electronic limited-slip differential to rear brakes that automatically engage to help the nose tuck in, the Honda's handling can only be described as miraculous.

Even though the Z is in the same price range as the Civic Type R, it actually belongs to a higher performance bracket. And since I’m very fond of rear-wheel-drive cars, I pick the Z here.

Exceptional safety equipment

Cars with this level of performance should have numerous safety features in case they outrun the driver.

In this respect, both the Nissan and the Honda are bang up to date with the finest active-safety assists.

Thankfully, this aspect is a solid tie.

Choices for everyone

This is perhaps one of the most interesting comparisons I’ve made.

For under ₱4 million, you can choose between a two-seat sports car with a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout or a hot hatchback that offers stupendous performance and excellent practicality.

It’s all a matter of preference, although the Z is significantly faster than the Civic Type R on paper. A track comparison would perhaps tell more about how these two match up.

Frankly, for the price of the all-new 2024 GT-R, I’d buy both of them and spend the change on essential modifications. Dream big, right?

Which of these sports cars would you go for?

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