Nissan GT-R vs. NISMO: Unleashing the Power and Speed of Two Legends

Posted by Masashi S.
10
May 14, 2025
436 Views

In 2007, Nissan introduced the Nissan GT-R, a fast production car that amazed even the most experienced drivers. Then in 2013, Nissan introduced the Nissan GT-R Nismo, enhancing its performance and bringing the GT-R to new heights. This article compares the Nissan GT-R and Nissan GT-R Nismo to provide a comprehensive comparison. 


Interior and Exterior

Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is a 4-seat coupe with Recaro bucket seats and leather upholstery, featuring a rake/reach adjustment steering wheel and a cockpit instrument cluster trimmed in leather and carbon fiber. The GT-R features an 11-speaker Bose audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, a seven-inch multifunctional screen on the center console that displays technical information like oil pressure, g-force gauge, lap timer, coolant temp, cornering, and turbo boost pressure, and a rotary knob for controlling screen functions. The GT-R offers ample storage space, including a glovebox, cup holders, door pockets, and a small boot.


The Nissan GT-R exterior features an aggressive front with a V-motion grille, long bonnet, and Xenon headlights, enhancing cooling. The rear features dual round LED lights, a rear diffuser, and 5-inch exhausts, while 20-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels complete the design. The GT-R also boasts standard safety features such as stability control, traction control, ABS, airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a security system. 


Nissan GT-R Nismo

The GT-R Nismo's interior features an acoustic windshield, leather, and carbon fiber touches. Front sports Recaro bucket seats provide comfort and legroom, while rear seats are suitable for kids. The 8-inch touch screen allows access to information and entertainment via Bose premium audio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and a rearview mirror. The Nissan Connect features a touch-sensitive screen, a Display Commander for infotainment control, a navigation system, and Nissan Connect services, along with a rotary-like dial for navigation. The package includes a glove box, cup holders, door pockets, and medium-sized boots for storage.


The GT-R Nismo boasts an aggressive exterior with carbon fiber components for weight reduction, stability, and stiffness. The rear spoiler, trunk lead, rear fascia, and side seals increase downforce and add stiffness. The signature dual round rear lights feature a Nismo badge. The GT-R Nismo features Nissan/Brembo brakes with larger rotors, pads, and rigid calipers, along with carbon-ceramic discs for improved handling and steering response. The GT-R Nismo also come equipped with numerous safety features such as Brake Assist, ABS, Tire pressure monitor, Backup Camera, Rear parking aid, stability control, traction control, and various airbags. 


Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is powered by a twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder 3.8-liter DOHC VR38DETT engine, producing 545 horsepower and 463 lb-ft of torque, and clocking 2.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. 


Nissan GT-R Nismo

The Nissan GT-R Nismo features a twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder 3.8-liter DOHC VR38DETT engine with performance upgrades including an upgraded fuel pump, high-flow turbochargers, and optimized ignition timing. The Nismo GT-R engine underwent modifications, resulting in 600 HP and 481 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 2.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.


Finally

Since the first GT-R, Nissan has consistently produced the current GT-R and GT-R Nismo, which are considered among the best cars ever produced from their production line. The Nissan GT-R Nismo, despite being more expensive than the standard GT-R, is deemed worth it by GT-R enthusiasts who appreciate the added power and performance upgrades. You can now check the Nissan GT-R stocklist for more available models.