Track Tested – Nissan GT-R vs. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R

September 22nd, 2017

There’s more at stake in this track battle than bragging rights. Nissan has been producing the GT-R for more than a decade. Now, it must defend its very name from a powerful upstart and a different kind of GT R.

The 10-year-old Nissan GT-R has built quite a reputation for itself. It has become a fearsome competitor on both street and track, and is a bargain (at $105 – $130K) when compared with other supercars of its ilk. It is powered by a twin turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. In factory trim, it makes approximately 565hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8-seconds.

As the upstart, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R has much to prove. This outstanding sports coupe is up to the task. With a 577hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the GT R can launch from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8-seconds and it has a top speed of 205 mph.

The two cars are extremely evenly matched through the curves. Track testing proves the point. In a dig race, the Nissan would have the advantage because of the Nissan’s factory launch control and all-wheel drive configuration. For this reason, a 30 mph (start) roll race is chosen. Again, the two cars are very evenly matched.

Despite being priced at roughly half the amount of the Mercedes-Benz, the Nissan passed the test against this new competitor. Although it didn’t run away from its German counterpart, this Japanese classic remains near the top of the heap.

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