ZR1 vs GTR side by side video..

The Nurburgring is the most famous and grueling track on the planet. In the past, the 'Ring didn't get much attention aside from track day hoons and the occasional manufacturer test, but lately the big test has been to get around the circuit with the best time possible. Nissan's GT-R lapped the 'Ring in a stunning 7:29:03, which blew the doors off of vehicles costing four-times as much. The 638 hp Corvette ZR1 became the new Nordschleife leader with a 7:26.4 time, but talk about the actual start time of both vehicles has kept message boards and our comments section popping.

Read Article

Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 7/11/2008 3:39:01 PM
+3 Boost
Awesome! Exactly what I wanted to see, a side by side. Looks like at around 1.40 the vette got away and the GTR never caught up. GTR made a lot of ground in the slow corners at the very end though. Now, I want to see a 3-some video with the Zonda! Make it happen!


dlindlin - 7/11/2008 3:47:14 PM
+7 Boost
What debate? Looks like GT-R finish 3 seconds slower and that makes sense.

Waiting for the V-spec video.....


EL34EL34 - 7/11/2008 9:09:48 PM
-2 Boost
Who in the hell is gonna buy a V-spec?

People that drive their cars on the street want an air conditioner.


hao420hao420 - 7/12/2008 12:46:17 AM
+2 Boost
EL34,why do u think V-spec doesnt have air conditioner...<


everyscreennameistakeneveryscreennameistaken - 7/28/2008 2:10:02 PM
+1 Boost
This was a great video and I think it really illustrates the different strengths of each car.

The Vette certainly wins in straight line performance (175+ mph on the long straight!) whereas the GT-R seems as though it must be the superior handling car to have kept up despite the power deficit. I'm a fan of both cars, but I'm a bit disappointed in the Vette. I think it speaks very highly for the GT-R that it was able to keep up with the Vette in all the curvy sections despite being shy 200hp and having a far worse power-to-weight ratio. The Vette certainly made some ground on the straights, and that's to be expected, but I would have expected more than a 3 second difference over the course of all that distance.

I do have to agree with others, in that it seems like the correct matchup should be the GT-R and Z06, being that they are closest in price. Much like I was curious of what a $100,000 Vette could do, now I'm eagerly awaiting seeing what a $100,000 GT-R will do as well.


LexusLexus - 7/11/2008 3:49:45 PM
+9 Boost
Just wait for the GT-R V-spec, it will definitely beat the ZR1 for sure. The ZR1 has nearly 200 hp more than the Nissan GT-R. I would not be surprise when the V-spec with close to 600 hp come out and destroy all the supercars again.


HeyhuubHeyhuub - 7/11/2008 4:14:17 PM
-4 Boost
In reply to all who say: just wait for the V-spec, you can just say: just wait for the C7 Corvette...


GTR35GTR35 - 7/11/2008 4:30:03 PM
+8 Boost
In reply to all who say: just wait for the C7, you can just say: just wait for the EVO-GTR.


PlanBPlanB - 7/11/2008 4:35:32 PM
+5 Boost
We say wait for the V-Spec because this isn't really a fair fight. This is a Corvette with $40 grand in factory upgrades versus a "base" GTR. Of course the Vette wins. They should all at least wait for the next stage GTR to get here and then let's see who comes out on top.


kablaamkablaam - 7/11/2008 4:52:01 PM
+5 Boost
.....and in 25 years all cars will fly. The, "wait till the next model comes out" bs is getting old.

Give the vette its kudos, it deserves it.

The GTR had its time, now the vette will have its short lived moment. There will always be a bigger and badder car in the near future. Isn't it great?

P.S. I hear the 2023(right before the intro of flying cars ;-p ) BMW M5 will have 2002 hp and zip the ring in 32 seconds.......



PorschinatorPorschinator - 7/11/2008 5:45:12 PM
+1 Boost
Yeah flying cars...last thing we need in places with horrid drivers on the ground. No thanks!!! Last thing I need is an Asian driver or old Lady crashing through my roof! hehe =)


Agent63Agent63 - 7/11/2008 7:20:23 PM
+2 Boost
Maybe less than 200 hp. Weren't their speculation that Nissan gave a lower number than their actual hp readings?


BostonBiosafetyBostonBiosafety - 7/11/2008 4:19:03 PM
-5 Boost
Standard vs Auto


GTR35GTR35 - 7/11/2008 4:28:47 PM
+2 Boost
An entry level GTR Vs. the best Chevy could come up with, and the Vette only managed to run 3 seconds faster. I admire the ZR1, because after all those are some pretty strong numbers, but not only is the V-Spec waiting to come out lets not forget the EVO-GTR which should come out early next year; when that's complete the ZR1 will be child's play in comparison to the entire GTR line.



PorschinatorPorschinator - 7/11/2008 5:45:58 PM
+3 Boost
We'll see :)


sectorsector - 7/12/2008 12:16:51 AM
0 Boost
Your 997 Turbo got spanked long time ago, it's in the rear view mirror.


91z4me91z4me - 7/12/2008 12:00:50 PM
+3 Boost
GTR35, come on man quit with the excuses. The ZR1 is faster, PERIOD. In the world of racing it is 'run what you brung'. No excuses the ZR1 is faster. Will the GTR-V be faster? Nobody knows because that car doesn't actually exist right now. Sure Nissan is testing different versions but right now it is vaporware.

And don't call the GTR an entry level. Right now it is the ONLY level. And at $70 large nothing is entry level. And what do you mean ONLY 3 seconds faster. Please 3 seconds is a darn large margin in a race, and when your traveling over 130 mph it seems like a huge gap.

As for the EVO GTR, has it been announced, I haven't read anything about it officially. Unless it has a production date then it is still just vaporware.


S30GTRS30GTR - 7/12/2008 8:43:41 PM
0 Boost
91z4me, of course 3 seconds is a big gap in a race, but i don't think were talking about a race here, its just a comparison. and yes the zr1 should be faster otherwise it would be a shame for a car in the neighborhood of 300,000. as for the gtr it may not be an entry level car, but it is an entry level gtr. as far as the v-spec goes that is also an entry level. keep in mind there will be a v-pec 2, nur spec and hopefully nismo z tune. so there is more room for a gtr to spank on the maxed out zr1. but yes, we have to wait.


91z4me91z4me - 7/13/2008 12:36:14 PM
+2 Boost
S30GTR, The ZR1 is selling for $103K, no where near $300K. And if the GTR is so awesome why have 5 different version of it? Shouldn't there be 1 version above all the others? First it was the GTR that was then end all, then the SpecV, now there is what 3 other versions that are going to be the end all? To confusing and all it will do is help the dealerships rape the customers on each 'new' version.


daytonavioletdaytonaviolet - 7/11/2008 5:10:53 PM
+12 Boost
Frankly they are both great cars. For me, I'll take the GTR.


JaybrnJaybrn - 7/11/2008 10:20:49 PM
+4 Boost
Ill be in line as well, AWD is awesome and makes the power very usable in everyday conditions


PintoRacerPintoRacer - 7/11/2008 5:14:48 PM
+1 Boost
Corvette looks better with its sleek and classic shape. I'll take the zr1


GTR35GTR35 - 7/11/2008 5:22:56 PM
0 Boost
I'm taking you off my fave-five


S30GTRS30GTR - 7/12/2008 8:48:50 PM
0 Boost
sorry for you're bad taste.


pushrod27pushrod27 - 7/14/2008 11:39:54 AM
+1 Boost
What you should be sorry for is your bad grammar.


pushrod27pushrod27 - 7/14/2008 11:40:39 AM
+1 Boost
And when it comes to looks, the Vette craps all over the weird-looking GT-R. It's not even close.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 7/11/2008 5:47:45 PM
0 Boost
Wish the Vette came with AWD..that would be Awwwwwwesome!


S30GTRS30GTR - 7/12/2008 8:52:59 PM
-1 Boost
the new gtr has not raced internationally yet, so shut you're mouth. until they do, and if they get eaten then you can talk all the smack you want. for now just keep hoping that it doesn't.


speedmasterspeedmaster - 7/11/2008 5:51:58 PM
+1 Boost
I am impressed by the fact the vette does not resort to flappy paddle shifters to get that time. It is very obvious that the vette driver messed up a few times.
He was an GM engineer vs a professional NB driver.




farabira1farabira1 - 7/11/2008 5:57:59 PM
0 Boost
The magazine placed their own stopwatch on the right hand side of the screen and it started when both cars took off, and both cars finished at the same time of around 7:30. And it was mentioned that both cars had different set off points compared to each other, that may have something to do with the time, but if you just count the time to cross the circuit one time, it looked to me that both cars took the same time of 7:30. So is Chevy somehow playing with the time here by probably using an endpoint that is different from the set off point and thus gives an edge of 2 to 3 seconds to be shaved off? You guys judge and speculate.

And now about the video and how stable the cars looked, well to me the GTR looked much more planted and there was almost no under or over steer, the car looked completely sure footed. And the GTR was clearly much faster than the ZR1 in longer corners and while pulling out of the corners. Comparatively the ZR1 looked quite average really, even though the speed was just as fast as the GTR, the ZR1 seemed to be doing a lot of under steering and often times the driver had to put effort to keep the car balanced. And certainly the ZR1 was bumping up and down a lot, it just was not planted enough on the road, which means it was very slippery but harder for the driver to control( so the ZR1 is set up in the classic sports car fashion, having very little of drivers aid and relying on engineering skills to have the car composed in super high speed)whereas in the case of the GTR we could clearly see the computer controlled dynamics which resulted in no under or over steering.

So to sum up, the ZR1 is set up as a pure sports car, no computer gimmick as driver aid, this car relies on it's engineering and mechanical set up as a low slung pure bred racer to help in it's dynamics, and the rest is up to the driver to control any over or under steering, whereas the nissan GTR is a total geek car with computers doing everything for you. So the GTR is much easier to drive, even an amateur can drive it hard and in high speed, but it will take some guts and balls to drive the ZR1 in it's edge, because if you make even one mistake it will, and i repeat it will take you down crashing into a huge accident. The ZR1 is more like a Koenigsegg CCX or a Porsche Carrera GT, set up with minimal of driver aids, whereas the GTR, well it is a completely new breed depending on techno gadgets to make fast driving very easy.

Both are awesome cars.


ghosthunterghosthunter - 7/11/2008 6:33:35 PM
+4 Boost
with all due respect. i admire the driver in the ZR1 more than the driver in the GTR. not that i would choose ZR1 over GTR because i lack all the necessary skill to master ZR1 (and i am sure i would be much faster and safer in the GTR knowing computer will save my ass if i screw up), but i definitely have more respect to those drivers who can bring out the true potential of ZR1.


STJ88STJ88 - 7/11/2008 6:21:58 PM
+1 Boost
@IS3andME

Now i know it you are a total retard.

You realy don't know shit about the GT-R and SuperGT. Of the last 4 race's the GT-R won 3. Its almost impossible for a car in the SuperGt to win two race's in a row, because of the weight penalty system.

And another thing the Supra hasn't been in the Super Gt for 3 years you dork. They use the SC now.




PerformanceGuyPerformanceGuy - 7/11/2008 8:23:26 PM
0 Boost
The GT-R is rocking it, can't wait for the V-Spec.


EL34EL34 - 7/11/2008 9:17:18 PM
-2 Boost
The GT-R is a hodgepodge inside & out.

It looks like a hotdog on a hamburger bun with a piece of fried chicken and a sweet pickle with a snicker bar on top.

Teh Corvette looks like a fast shark, period!


hao420hao420 - 7/12/2008 12:49:31 AM
+1 Boost
Retared.....<


thisismynamethisismyname - 7/12/2008 7:32:42 AM
-1 Boost
The corvette still can't touch the unofficial time posted by the LF-A.. 7:24

The GTR V-spec is pulling an unofficial time of 7:25.. and with Acura's goal to beat the two at all costs.. I would say the true battle will be between the LF-A and the NSX with the Corvette and the GTR being the economic supercar, like corvette has always been, a poor-mans-sportscar. It's a great bang for the buck, but please.. you get more computers and value in the GTR.. the Corvette is a simple design, with raw power, and finally this generation they start using proper components to allow it to actually compete in the segment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordschleife_fastest_lap_times


91z4me91z4me - 7/12/2008 12:07:48 PM
+4 Boost
Why are we comparing unofficial times, by observes w/ stop watches (which sounds completely accurate, note the sarcasm) to a PRODUCTION car w/ 2 different electronic timing systems?

Seriously back away from the crack pipe and take a look at reality: The ZR1 posts the fastest time w/ the GT-R at number 2. The LF-A, Spec-V, and NSX don't exist and have no times, there may be engineering/evaluation cars running the track but who the hell knows what tires or suspension setups they are running much less what has been done to the engine/transmission.

Be an adult and admit that the ZR1 is the fastest and the GT-R is second.


babababa - 7/12/2008 7:06:43 PM
+1 Boost
OK, the ZR-1 won this round. But here's what you don't realize: it beat the GT-R V Spec!! So even the GT-R V Spec needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with a GT-R 'A' Spec. Based on how the 'real' GT-Rs are now running, they're a big letdown. Regardless, the Viper ACR will destroy them both...


S30GTRS30GTR - 7/12/2008 8:59:27 PM
0 Boost
were did you get that information retard. i would like to see it.


bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 7/23/2008 4:41:33 PM
+1 Boost
GO ACR


sectorsector - 7/13/2008 3:48:21 PM
+2 Boost
Haha, great piece of driving especially Jim in the ZR1, he almost lost it at 6:12, he even does a right hand waive to say he's still alive :)

With a professional driver, ZR1 may be slightly faster but for any less skilled driver, GT-R wins every time...


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 7/13/2008 6:46:08 PM
+1 Boost
As far as I know, Jim Mero isn't a professional driver. Not saying that he isnt a very very good driver but I dont think he's leaps above what an your average track enthusiast could achieve with practice. He did race in 95 for the ZR-1 Corvette team at Le Mans but ended up with a DNF. With that said, I dont think it's fair to say that anything less than a professional cant get the ZR1 around a track faster than a GTR.


Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC