The answer to this theoretical question is fairly simple – yes, a Nissan GT-R can be faster than any Ferrari with the right modifications. In that regard, a Honda Civic can be faster than a Ferrari as well. But is a completely stock Nissan GT-R faster than a Ferrari? Let’s find out.

The R35 Nissan GT-R can beat a Ferrari that was made 10 years ago

Ferrari has taken great strides with its cars over the past 10 years. In 2015, the Ferrari 488 GTB replaced the 458, which ushered in a new era of turbocharged engines. The Ferrari 458 was powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine that produced 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque and had a 9,000-rpm redline.

This screaming supercar could sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds from a standstill, and it could cover a quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds, according to MotorWeek’s testing. That’s insanely fast, but it’s to be expected from a car that costs over $230,000.

The 2023 Nissan GT-R, on the other hand, makes its power from a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine. The power output totals 565 hp in its base trim. However, the up-level Nismo trim makes 600 hp. The power is routed from the engine through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and out to all four wheels for maximum grip.

According to Car and Driver’s testing, that winning combination makes the R35 GT-R go from 0-60 mph in only 2.9 seconds and down a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds. That makes it quicker than the discontinued Ferrari 458, which is still a good feat.

How does the Nissan GT-R do against a Ferrari 488 GTB?

As for the Ferrari 458’s successor – the 488 GTB – it does a little better against the GT-R. Its 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 661 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, which is markedly better than the 458.

As for its performance, the editors at MotorTrend reported a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.6 seconds. That means it’s much quicker than a new Nissan GT-R, although, at nearly $300,000, it costs about twice as much.

Is it worth it to buy a Ferrari over a Nissan GT-R?

If you’re just looking for straight-line performance, then no, a Ferrari isn’t worth the extra money. For less than $200,000, you can buy a new Nissan GT-R, upgrade its turbochargers and cooling system, and have it tuned for more power.

In fact, there are plenty of tuners that have extracted over 1,000 horsepower from a GT-R over the past decade with relative ease. In the video above, the folks at Carwow drag raced a tuned Nissan GT-R with 1,000 hp against a Ferrari SF90 Stradale with the same power.

According to the video, the GT-R weighed more than the Ferrari, so you would think it would lose terribly. Spoiler alert: It wins. Not only did it win in the drag race, but it even trounced the Prancing Horse car in the roll race and the brake test, which was even more surprising.

Check out the videos to watch some fast Nissan GT-R action. They will solidify the answer that with the right modifications or against an older model, a Nissan GT-R can indeed beat a Ferrari.