Nissan GT-R vs. New Corvette E-Ray: 2023 Performance Car Comparison
The new Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray has fans split; it represents an evolutionary step into the next generation of Corvette quickness for some and too dramatic a change for others. Either way, the new hybrid Corvette is the quickest ‘Vette ever, and it has other supercars in its sights. Enter the Nissan GT-R, an understated track-day weapon with supercar speed and grand tourer practicality. So, how does the tenured GT-R stack up against the latest clever Plastic Fantastic from Bowling Green?
Is a Nissan GT-R faster than a Corvette?
The Nissan GT-R is understated among its competitors, but don’t let it lull you into thinking it won’t keep pace. Nissan’s AWD GT-R can hit 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds. However, the GT-R isn’t alone in the under-three-second club; the Corvette is even faster to 60 mph.
Car and Driver says the Z51-equipped C8 Corvette Stingray will hit 60 in just 2.8 seconds on its way to a 11.2-second quarter mile without the assistance of the E-Ray’s eAWD system. Moreover, the flat-plane crank V8-powered Z06 will make the same run in 2.6 seconds with a 10.5-second quarter mile.
Of course, the upcoming E-Ray enjoys four-wheeled grip, unlike the RWD Corvettes before it. As a result, Chevrolet says the new E-Ray will hit 60 mph in 2.5 seconds; it’s the fastest-accelerating Corvette ever.
Why is the GT-R so powerful?
The 2023 Nissan GT-R produces 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. That power is courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6 sending power to its AWD system. Need more? The GT-R NISMO makes a tire-vaporizing 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque from a similar mill.
While 565 horsepower is enough to embarrass your buddy with their meager 495-horsepower Stingray and its performance exhaust, the story is different with the Z06 and E-Ray. The new E-Ray produces 655 horsepower courtesy of its 6.2L LT2 V8 and a 160-horsepower front-mounted electric motor. Of course, we’ll have to see if Nissan’s next-gen GT-R includes an even volcanic hybrid variation.
How much can you fit in a Corvette E-Ray?
The new 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray has a similar cargo capacity to its non-widebody sibling, the Stingray. Specifically, the Corvette will accommodate around 12.6 cubic feet of storage. While that might seem trivial, Chevrolet quickly reminds fans of the ability to swallow up its removable roof panel and a bag of golf clubs.
On the other hand, while the Nissan GT-R’s platform is more grand tourer Dr. Jekyll with a track day Mr. Hyde side than the Corvette’s mid-engine supercar application, it lacks cargo capacity. According to TrueCar, the GT-R will only accommodate around 8.8 cubic feet of storage. Still, the Nissan model has a tight rear seat that owners can easily use for overflow storage, unlike the Corvette.
How much is a Nissan GT-R Godzilla?
The biggest issue with the street-stalking Nissan GT-R “Godzilla,” as the Australian media once called it, is its price. Car and Driver says the 2023 Nissan GT-R starts at around $115,435. Moreover, the 600-horsepower NISMO will require around $212,635.
The Nissan model is much more expensive than the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. The entry-level E-Ray will start at around $104,295 for the 1LZ Coupe. At the other end of the lineup, the E-Ray 3LZ Convertible will demand just over $120,000 before upgrades.
