In a rather short video, we got to see Japan’s top tier vehicles – a stock Acura (Honda) NSX versus a Litchfield-tuned Nissan R35 GT-R.
On one hand, it’s an unfair race. We know how fast tuned GT-Rs can get.
With 75 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque on top of the Track Edtion, the Litchfield GT-R really goes. With significantly more horsepower and torque and just a slight increase in weight, it’s obviously going to win the ¼ mile race.
In a stock vs stock test (video below), where power output is similar, the NSX wins with a convincing advantage in both the drag and the rolling start race, while yielding in the brake test.
The NSX also got a better launch against the tuned Litchfield version. Even with significantly less torque, the instant delivery by the electric motors shot the NXS a good 3 feet in front of the Litchfield GT-R at launch.
On the other hand, Nissan GT-R is built with tuners in mind. You can get four digits out of the twin-turbo V6 with just bolt-ons.
At the same time, the Litchfield version is practically a production car. It’s got a 3-year warranty that even respects official GT-R Drivers’ Club track days. You also get more back for less buck. Even with the upgrades, it still costs 31.7% less than the Acura NSX. A base GT-R is half of the NSX.
In the end, drag races tell us only half the story. A track test would be way more indicative of both cars’ real-world performance. Here’s hoping we get one.
You can see the stats of all three cars below:
Stock Acura NSX
- Power train – 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 plus an electric motor, coupled to a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels; 1 electric motor for each front wheel
- Power output – 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque
- Acceleration 0-60 mph – 3.3 seconds
- Weight – 3,915 lbs
- Price – $184,425
Nissan R35 GT-R Litchfield Track Edition
- Power train – 3.8-liter twin turbo V6, coupled to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission and Nissan’s proprietary all-wheel-drive system
- Power output – 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque
- Acceleration 0-60 mph – 2.9 seconds
- Weight – 3,968 lbs
- Price – $125,936
Stock Nissan R35 GT-R
- Power train – 3.8-liter twin turbo V6, coupled to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission and Nissan’s proprietary all-wheel-drive system
- Power output – 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque
- Acceleration 0-60 mph – 3.2 seconds
- Weight – 3,840 lbs
- Price – $101,685