Nissan GT-R vs Audi R8 V10 1/4 mile

The R8 features a hand-built 5.2-litre V10 producing 533hp in standard form, and an amazing 602hp in ‘Plus‘ specification. The basic engine can get from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds, with the more powerful version managing it 0.3 seconds faster. Both versions are paired to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, offering smooth and swift gear changes. Both engines also have cylinder-on-demandtechnology to reduce fuel consumption but, if you’re after a smaller engine, you’ll have to wait for a turbocharged V6 R8 with around 450hp – rumoured to arrive in 2018.

The GT-R’s hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 produces 542hp in standard guise, and 591hp in crazy Nismo form. It may look larger than the R8 but, thanks to aggressively short gear ratios and robust four-wheel drive, it’ll reach 62mph from rest in an incredible 2.7 seconds – among the quickest of any car on sale today. The Nismo version hasn’t officially been tested, but is rumoured to cover the sprint in less than 2.5 seconds. Power is fed through a dual-clutch six-speed automatic gearbox.

Unsurprisingly, neither of these cars are cheap to buy or run, but they do offer reasonable value for money when you compare them against similarly specced supercars from other brands. The cheapest R8 costs £119,520 with the standard V10 engine, and the Plus version costs a hefty £134,520 – hardly cheap, but less than a comparable Porsche 911 Turbo S. Equipment levels are good, but it’s still possible for options lists to run into the tens of thousands of pounds if you’re not careful.

In comparison, the GT-R is a massive bargain – it might lack some of the premium materials and ultra high-tech infotainment options, but you can own one for around £80,000 – about as much as a well specced BMW M4. Adding the £45,000 Nismo package isn’t cheap, but £125,000 for something faster than many true race cars doesn’t seem too unreasonable at all.

Fuel consumption is, of course, very high with the Audi managing to return an official 24.8/23mpg for the V10/V10 Plus versions respectively. The Nissan officially returns 23.9mpg regardless of engine tuning, but neither car is likely to get anywhere close to these figures if driven as intended. Road tax is also very expensive, being £1100 the first year, and £550 each year after for both.