The Nissan GT-R doesn’t get mentioned enough in conversations about performance cars; it’s a world-class performance car with daily driver proportions. However, the neck-snappingly swift Nissan grand tourer has serious competition on the world stage. Surprisingly, one of those competitors hails from Kentucky: the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Does the vociferous Z06 have what it takes to out-muscle the mighty “Godzilla” 2023 Nissan GT-R? 

Is a Z06 faster than a GT-R?

The new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 from the C8 generation is faster than the Nissan GT-R. Specifically, the Z06 will sprint to 60 in 2.6 seconds, whereas the GT-R required around 2.9 in Car and Driver’s testing.  

Moreover, while the GT-R’s four-wheeled grip makes it a composed track-day companion, the mid-engined Corvette Z06 is no less capable. In roadholding tests, the C8 Z06 managed 1.16 g, 0.08 better than a McLaren Artura.  

However, the Z06 wasn’t always quicker; the front-engine C7 Z06 missed the GT-R’s mark by about 0.05 seconds. Still, that’s remarkably close for a front-engine, rear-wheel drive Corvette going toe-to-toe with the grippier Godzilla GT-R. 

How much horsepower will the 2023 Corvette Z06 have?

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 produces a tire-vaporizing 670 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 5.5L LT6 V8. You read that right; the Z06 ditches the gluttonous supercharger of the previous model for a flat-plane crank mill that revs up to 8,500 rpm. 

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan GT-R’s twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6 heart produces 565 horsepower. Still, at 467 lb-ft of torque, the GT-R’s base model is torquier than the Z06 by about 7.0 lb-ft. Nissan also made a range-topping NISMO trim, which produces 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. 

How much will a fully loaded Z06 cost?

Some fans call the C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 a “budget Ferrari.” In this instance, the hyperbole isn’t far from the truth. A fully loaded, range-topping Z06 3LZ Convertible starts at $130,145. 

Moreover, the entry-level 1LZ Coupe starts at around $109,295. Compared to the latest Godzilla GT-R, the entry-level and fully loaded King Kong from Kentucky is a bona fide bargain. The 2023 Nissan GT-R starts at $117,935. Even more shocking is the NISMO edition’s price tag liable to induce altitude sickness: $217,635. 

Is the Nissan GT-R 4WD or AWD?

The Nissan GT-R is an AWD performance car. AWD is a commonplace installation in today’s performance car market, as vehicles can harness high-horsepower engines and put the power down without breaking traction like a RWD application.  

Is the Corvette Z06 or Nissan GT-R right for you?

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is an extraordinary chapter in the book of the Plastic Fantastic. It’s the first C8 to wear the Z06 badging and the first production Corvette with a flat-plane crank engine. Better yet, the Z06 is quicker, cheaper, and more musical than the venerable Godzilla GT-R. 

Still, even with the spectacular performance and value of Bowling Green’s budget Ferrari, the GT-R’s grippy, track-ready, and trustworthy AWD system is tough to topple. Moreover, the Nissan model’s simplistic rear-end styling is simply one of the best-looking cabooses in the business.