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 Volkswagen ID. Tiguan revealed: first look at the ID.4's replacement
New Volkswagen ID. Tiguan - front static with Auto Express senior news reporter Alastair Crooks stood next to the car

New Volkswagen ID. Tiguan revealed: first look at the ID.4's replacement

Along with a revamped exterior, the ID. Tiguan brings a host of cabin upgrades too
News
9 Oct 2026
New Chery Approved Used scheme aims to boost confidence and attack second-hand car market
Used Chery - dealership

New Chery Approved Used scheme aims to boost confidence and attack second-hand car market

Eligible cars will get a two-year warranty, plus a handful of other benefits
News
7 Oct 2026
All-new BMW iX4 arrives with a 514-mile range and up to 604bhp
BMW iX4 50 - front

All-new BMW iX4 arrives with a 514-mile range and up to 604bhp

The latest member of BMW’s Neue Klasse is the first-ever iX4 ‘Sports Activity Coupe’, and there’s a 604bhp M60 version
News
7 Oct 2026

Find a car with the experts