Watch the Nissan GT-R Nismo and Mercedes-AMG GT R Go Head 2 Head

Hosts Jonny Lieberman and Randy Pobst pit two GTRs against each other in the latest episode of Head 2 Head. The Mercedes-AMG GT R and the Nissan GT-R Nismo have the same name and actually share a lot in common. Both have front-mounted V-configuration engines, both are twin-turbo, both have similar horsepower ratings, one is a 3.8-liter and the other a 4.0-liter, and both send power through a dual-clutch transaxle. The main differences are the AMG’s rear-wheel-drive set-up versus the Nissan’s all-wheel-drive system, Mercedes’ all-wheel steering versus the Nismo’s two-wheel steering, the AMG’s race compound tires versus the Nissan’s street tires, and the AMG GT R is 200 pounds slimmer.

The GT-R Nismo packs a 600-hp, 481-lb-ft 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 backed by a six-speed dual-clutch automatic while the AMG GT R comes powered by 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that produces 577 hp and 516 lb-ft that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Japanese GT-R was quicker to 60 mph and hit the quarter-mile first, but the German GT R out-braked the Nismo from 60 mph by 8 feet.

Driving around some twisty canyon roads, the hosts quickly realize how fast the Nissan still is over any pavement: “as fast an anything down a winding and bumpy road,” says Randy. “The Nissan can change direction like no other car in the world.” The hosts agree that the GT-R’s all-wheel-drive system is still one of the best in the industry and the supercar feels more solid with better ride comfort than ever before. However, the brakes are not strong and, in general, the GT-R feels numb–not what a supercar should feel like.

Before the hosts jump in the Mercedes-AMG GT R, they can’t stop ogling the coupe for its impressive design. Immediately they comment on the ferocious growl of the GT R’s V-8, something the Nismo lacks. They love the massive linear power delivery and exclaim “The torque is always there.” The engine doesn’t feel or sound turbocharged. Better yet, unlike the Nissan, you can feel everything in the AMG. The steering response and feel is excellent and the carbon-ceramic brakes bite hard, providing lots of confidence. The front-end of the supercar is nearly perfect but the problem lies in the backend–it’s loose and has very little suspension travel, making the car step out during hard cornering without traction control on. It is good for burnouts, however!

The GT-R Nismo outpaced the AMG GT R at the Nürburgring by 2 seconds, but what happens when Randy Pobst takes the two supercars out on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca? Which GTR do they pick as the winner of this Head 2 Head? Will it be “Godzilla” or the “The Beast from the Green Hell?” Click the video below to find out.

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