How can it be that a car weighing around 450lbs more than the 911 – one with less power, less torque and narrower rear tires – feels just as agile? (Autocar photo)
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Any car that, when idling stationary, emits a discernable clatter from within its wheelbase, on account of it having a second propshaft feeding power away from its transaxle to the front wheels, is a thing of singular character.
It’s as a static object, as something to see on your driveway, that the Nissan is perhaps the biggest surprise of the year. I was expecting shoddy plastics, horrid carpets and a general feeling of the $70k price tag covering some fine mechanicals and then Nissan subsequently bunging an iffy interior in for free. Not a sign of such tricks; the clock faces are brash and technical, the electronic gauges in the center console are a source of endless amusement and the leather sections on the dashboard actually look, feel and smell like leather.
By comparison, the $124,000 Porsche feels no more expensive. OK, its door trims are smothered in dead cow and this particular car is drowning in carbon fiber, but otherwise it just feels smaller. Not more expensive.
The subject of price is one that has been deliberately avoided so far. That Nissan pursued the 997 Turbo as its benchmark during the GT-R’s development is no secret, so it seems entirely fair to place it against that car, regardless of the price differential.
Even if they were equally
priced, any objective assessment of these vehicles attributes would have to conclude that the Nissan was the better car. I can’t believe I’m writing this, but it really is the case.
The few areas in which the Porsche is superior are in ride comfort, straightline braking from very high speeds and steering – and only in the first category is the advantage clear-cut. The Nissan has more available performance, more grip, better stability, a bigger cabin and superior traction.
There is a spooky air of invincibility about the GT-R, and that’s what validates the “baby-Veyron” comparison. The Bugatti is the only other vehicle I have driven that provided such staggering on-demand performance, such a feeling of omnipotence. Somehow, it seems unfair to mention that the R35 costs little more than half the sum Porsche wants for a new 997 Turbo with ceramic brakes. Progress is thrilling for the consumer but cruel to the competition. The Turbo must respond, and soon, because the GT-R is the undisputed winner here.
Chris Harris/Autocar
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