Front-biased weight distribution may be more manageable for non-professional drivers, but for lap times, it is NEVER optimal due to the inevitable understeer that results, which is why historically, BMWs have posted quicker lap times than their front-heavy equivalents from Audi and Mercedes. The front-biased weight distribution of the GT-R is a result of the AWD system packaging, not the "design brief". I dare say that future iterations of the GT-R will tend to send more of the weight towards the rear which, as Audi demonstrated in the latest RS5, can only be beneficial for performance.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Nissan GT-R
| Category | Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Nissan GT-R |
|---|---|---|
| Max power (ps / bhp) | 450 / 444 | 530 / 523 |
| Max torque (Nm / lb-ft) | 430 / 317 | 612 / 451 |
| Curb weight (kg / lb) | 1400 / 3086 | 1760 / 3880 |
| Power / tonne (ps / bhp) | 321 / 317 | 301 / 297 |
| Average price | €157,000 | €91,000 |
Lap Times
Acceleration
| Speed & distance | Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Nissan GT-R |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 40 kph | 1.2 s | 1.1 s |
| 0 - 60 kph | 2.1 s | 1.7 s |
| 0 - 80 kph | 2.9 s | 2.4 s |
| 0 - 100 kph | 3.7 s | 3.0 s |
| 0 - 120 kph | 5.0 s | 4.4 s |
| 0 - 140 kph | 6.6 s | 5.7 s |
| 0 - 160 kph | 7.9 s | 7.4 s |
| 0 - 180 kph | 10.4 s | 9.3 s |
| 0 - 200 kph | 11.6 s | 11.1 s |
| 0 - 60 mph | 3.5 s | 2.9 s |
| 0 - 100 mph | 7.9 s | 7.1 s |
| 0 - 120 mph | 11.6 s | 10.0 s |
| Est. 1/8 mile | 8.3 s @ 102.5 mph | 7.7 s @ 105.0 mph |
| 1/4 mile | 11.8 s | 11.1 s |
Rolling acceleration
| Speed | Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Nissan GT-R |
|---|---|---|
| 80 - 120 kph (4) | 4.0 s | 3.3 s |
| 80 - 120 kph (5) | 5.1 s | 4.3 s |
| 80 - 120 kph (6) | 6.4 s | 6.4 s |
| 80 - 160 kph (4) | 7.9 s | 6.6 s |
| 80 - 160 kph (5) | 10.6 s | 8.7 s |
| 80 - 160 kph (6) | 15.0 s | 12.3 s |
| Est. 100 - 140 kph | 2.9 s | 2.6 s |
| Est. 100 - 200 kph | 8.3 s | 8.1 s |
General performance
| Category | Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Nissan GT-R |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 310 kph (193 mph) | 315 kph (196 mph) |
| Est. 0 - 100 mph - 0 | 11.7 s @ 820 ft | 11.2 s @ 827 ft |
| Est. max acceleration | 0.77 g (8 m/s²) | 0.98 g (10 m/s²) |
| 18m slalom | 74.7 kph (46.4 mph) | 70.7 kph (43.9 mph) |
| 36m slalom | 146.0 kph (90.7 mph) | 140.0 kph (87.0 mph) |
| Fuel economy | 9.4 l/100 km (25 mpg US / 30 UK) | 13.9 l/100 km (17 mpg US / 20 UK) |
| Lateral acceleration | 1.08 g (11 m/s²) | 1.05 g (10 m/s²) |
| Downforce @ 200 kph | 60 kg (132 lbs) | 5 kg (11 lbs) |
| 100 kph - 0 | 32 m (105 ft) | 34 m (111 ft) |
| 200 kph - 0 | 127 m (418 ft) | 129 m (424 ft) |
| 60 mph - 0 | 30 m (98 ft) | 31 m (101 ft) |
Summary
| Category | Porsche 911 GT3 RS | Nissan GT-R |
|---|---|---|
| Track Performance | 865 | 898 |
| Straight line speed | 2679 | 3313 |
| Total | 3544 | 4211 |
Verdict
GT-R is the fastest by a small margin.
This comparison has been viewed 3k times.
Acceleration graph
w0o0dy 12y ago
@G: The GT-R DOES have a better weight distribution as it has more of the total weight BETWEEN the axles which is the reason why supersportscars have a mid-engined layout.. The 997 has about 62/64 % of the weight on the back axle (bit too much but not unheard of, lookup a 458, it will be close) BUT... far too much of the 997's weight is too far back ruining the controllability at/slightly over the limit for ultra fast (track) driving. They are quite succesfull in making it behave in grip situations and they made it predictable to powerslide too, but ultimately at the limit its really hard and trickey. The GT-R on the other hand is not the fastest car they could make but the fastest 500hp car most people car learn to drive at the limit that they could make. That's why it has more weight front than rear, its easier to predict and manage the car for less than superhero drivers.. THAT was the design brief for the GT-R.
G 12y ago
@W0o0dy
The GT-R does not have better weight distribution that the 911. In fact, being front-heavy, its weight distribution is far from ideal, which is why supercars tend to be either mid or rear engined. The GT-R does so well because it has the most advanced AWD system on the planet, meaning it can put the power down more often than the Porsche can.
Diu 15y ago
That\'s for time attack runs....Put both in any endurance race and the GT-R shall lose terribly.
w0o0dy 15y ago
hahah, ridiculous outcome based on one sub-optimal laptime by a journo that cannot seem to drive the GT-R flatout..
Check http://www.fastestlaps.com/comparisons/4717b80e35715-vs-_Porsche_997_GT3_RS_facelift.html
The old GT-R does a fairly good job against the 997 gt3 RS mkII... the new GT-R is quite a bit faster... it would/will kick the Gt3 RS MkII\'s ass. Not weird since it has more power, better balance (weight distribution) and better traction, but it also is 300kg heavier than the gt3. I is also a lot more of a drivers car and more fun than the old GT-R. The GT3 is more track-day tool, but the GT-R is much more practical... and 2/3 of the price...
Justin 15y ago
I think the lap time you posted for the GTR is about 10 seconds slower than the real time.
