Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Skyline R34 vs Nissan GT-R video track battle

Two Japanese superstars take to the tarmac in our latest video track battle

The Nissan GT-R is one of our favourite road-going racers - a technological masterpiece that can give supercars a run for their money. It's been on sale for seven years, but the Japanese manufacturer continues to make minor updates to keep the car fresh and as always, brutally fast.

See all of our latest videos here

Advertisement - Article continues below

It almost seems cruel, then, to put it up against a 16-year-old car with just about half the horsepower. But that's what we did in this battle, putting the GT-R against its predecessor, a 1999 Nissan Skyline R34.

The Nissan Skyline R34 boasts just 276bhp next to the GT-R's 543bhp, and a further 16 years of innovation by the computer wizards at Nissan has left the older car looking rather archaic next to its high-tech successor.

Even a 200kg weight advantage can't help the Skyline R34 and it posts a 49.7 second lap time against the GT-R's 45.7 seconds.

But how do the cars fare when it comes to driving dynamics - arguably more important than outright speed? Watch the video to find out.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best JDM cars: Japan’s greatest performance car legends
Best JDM cars

Best JDM cars: Japan’s greatest performance car legends

Japanese domestic market cars that have changed the car world for the better
Best cars & vans
25 Jul 2026
Official: Nissan GT-R will return and a new Skyline, too
Nissan Hyper Force - front 3/4

Official: Nissan GT-R will return and a new Skyline, too

Godzilla will roar again as CEO promises a new GT-R, plus a Skyline performance icon, as Nissan goes to work on heartbeat models
News
17 Apr 2026
New Nissan GT-R T-Spec 2026 review: a ferocious and fitting farewell
Nissan GT-R T-Spec - front tracking

New Nissan GT-R T-Spec 2026 review: a ferocious and fitting farewell

We take a blast in the final R35 version of Nissan’s performance hero
Road tests
24 Dec 2025

Most Popular

New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks
Peugeot 308 Fastback render - front 3_4 Avarvarii

New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks

Peugeot knows buyers are moving from hatchbacks to SUVs, so it’s considering a very different look for the 308
News
17 Aug 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC40 is a practical family SUV for under £300 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC40 is a practical family SUV for under £300 a month

A Volvo XC40 still offers plenty of style and panache despite its advancing years. It’s our Deal of the Day for 17 August.
News
17 Aug 2026
Rivian is coming to the UK, and here's how it could topple Tesla
Rivian is coming to Europe - R2 front tracking

Rivian is coming to the UK, and here's how it could topple Tesla

Rivian CEO reveals the brand’s Tesla Model Y rival was developed with Europe in mind
News
17 Aug 2026

Find a car with the experts