2000 Nissan Skyline GT-R from UK and Ireland - Comments

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This review compares the R34 GT-T to the R34 GT-R (both driven back to back along the same stretch of road). I have now owned an R34 GT-T for one year now. Just recently I drove its bigger brother the GT-R in a bid to decide whether to upgrade to the GT-R or not...

Firstly let us just refresh ourselves here about the two cars.

GT-R and GT-T, a basic summary…

The GT-T is rear wheel drive 2.5 litre single turbo (RB25DET) and the GT-R is a four wheel drive 2.6 litre twin turbo (RB26DETT). Both outputs are claimed to be 280 bhp (this is actually inaccurate, the GT-R is 320 bhp in real life!). The GT-T has NEO variable valve lift timing and both cars come equipped with excellent HICAS 4-wheel steering and the same leather trimmed steering wheel. The GT-T runs on 225/17's section tyres, the GT-R runs on 245/18's. The GT-T has big sized Nissan manufactured calipers with excellent stopping power. The GT-R has racing Brembo calipers and huge stopping power. The GT-R has a nice computer multi-function display showing torque, power, oil temperature, boost pressure, etc. etc. The GT-T has simply 3 analogue dials show oil temperature, boost pressure and battery voltage. The GT-R having a 6-speed box and the GT-T a five speed unit. The GT-R has wider bodied wings and a big front mounted intercooler with aggressive front spoiler. The GT-T makes do with a much more toned down front bumper with a smaller sized intercooler.

Basically, both cars come from the same ‘gene pool’ but both are different to drive. I should know since I drove both cars back to back on the same day one after the other.

First let us outline the examples I drove. The GT-T was a slightly modified example with an anti-cat straight through exhaust, running 1-bar boost pressure (raised from 0.6 standard), HKS plugs and HKS filter to give around 300 bhp plus a factory GT-R rear wing replacing the GT-T's standard one and running on 18” wheels and less than 10k miles (as new condition really).

The GT-R was completely standard apart from running on wider rimmed alloys (265 tyres).

First Impressions

On the open road the GT-T feels very well accomplished, lots of smooth power delivery and then a very nice zone (just above 3,000 revs when the turbo came on strong to give a very nice urgent pull to the engine). The car gives a very respectable power delivery and easily feels like its good for 300 bhp. Torque builds up well and gives a push into the back of the seat feeling that every respectable high performance sports coupe should deliver.

Climbing out of the GT-T into the GT-R and the differences are already starting to become more apparent. The seats in the GT-T really are lacking in support for spirited driving since the level of damping is surprisingly soft for the level of power available. The GT-R ones really are excellent and give excellent body support. It is more noticeable around a fast corner and on the GT-T this inspires less confidence to go into a corner hard or under trail braking than when driving the GT-R. The GT-T really is crying out for a decent set of lowering springs to fix this problem and a swap out for a good set of Recaro seats.

The very first gear change you make brings another big surprise. The GT-T has a 5-speed box and the GT-R has a six but that’s not the whole story. There is a metal gate on the GT-T that gives a nice clickety click action which is pleasant enough but in the GT-R the box is very stubby and tight with absolutely no feeling of slack that you get on the GT-T. Basically the GT-T gear shifter feels (dare I say it?) a little bit sloppy in direct comparison. Its not that there is a horrible gear change on the GT-T (I actually really like it), but in comparison to the GT-R it just doesn’t feel as driver focused. The GT-R has a much more sporty feel to the selection of gears, a sort of ‘chunky’ feel if you like. Reminds me of the NSX gear change…

Engine power wise the example I was driving of the GT-T was slightly uprated to around 300 bhp but even still the difference between the GT-R and GT-T was noticeable and this I think was purely down to engine torque, not bhp! The sheer feeling of torque on the twin turbo’d motor is staggering. On the GT-R at almost any point in the rev range floor the throttle and the car just responds, compared to the example I drove the same feeling was there on the GT-T but just not to the same extent of urgency (surprisingly not as much in it really than you would expect). The throttle response on the GT-T was admittedly less linear. Hit the throttle and straight away you notice very crisp clean acceleration and then start to feel the torque quickly building up to massive grin inducing levels. In the GT-T the rear killer blow of the acceleration curve felt slightly higher up the rev range (perhaps because of better traction of the 4wd?). With the turbo spooling about 0.5 bar the GT-T feels just as amazing but in the GT-R that feeling was there right through the rev range. Lets get one thing clear here though the GT-T (at least at this level of tune) was not at all far behind on the engine stakes, at least compared to a ‘standard’ GT-R anyway. It really has a truly excellent power unit and it really feels brilliant to drive.

Get the cars moving and the steering feels very accurate and pin-sharp (on both cars actually) but there is more feedback (and a LOT more bouncing up and down) in the GT-R. From the driving seat (apart from the seat itself) it is a very similar feeling, the steering is rather impressive in both cars and turn in characteristics are immensely impressive. Against the GT-T the GT-R doesn’t have much here except that of course on the fatter rimmed tyres and 2 more driven wheels there is obviously a lot more scope for faster changes in the GT-R. What really does come across here though is just how well sorted the steering feel is on both cars, absolutely brilliant and definitely one of the big plus points. This really does give a big confidence boost compared to other cars.

Overall I was convinced enough to decide I will swap from the GT-T to the GT-R… but despite what I’ve written here really there is not as much in it as you’d think. The added weight advantage of the GT-T only helps its case (its about 200 kilo’s lighter than the GT-R) and I’m sure a more tuned up GT-T (especially lowering springs and better seats) would make the whole car feel so much more driver focused. Overall if you can afford the GT-R go for it, but overall don’t feel to short changed about buying an R34 GT-T because overall it’s a very capable car (I’d say its easily better than a BMW M3). Price differential is that a mint GT-T 2-3 yrs old with low mileage will fetch about 20-22K (GBP) and a GT-R 32-34K (GBP)… It would certainly be interesting to drive a GT-T with 10k of modifications to compare the difference…

I do like the Nissan Skyline. I have driven an Audi A8, which was fun considering it was a 4.2 4WD V8 engine. It is not a very nice looking car, but the power is immense. The only problem with the 4.2 is that the limiter stops it at 155 mph, which is not good enough for me! But the interior is great, and I have never seen so many gadgets in my life. My personal opinion is that the Nissan Skyline GT-T (without modification; and the same goes for the GT-R) would not stand a chance against a 350 bhp Audi A8 (de-limited, of course). You say the GT-R is a 2.6, so therefore, without modifications, will do the speed to the capacity of a 2.6, obviously, if it is de-limited. I think if I could do 4.2's worth of speed, the Audi would do about 200+ mph, if you get what I mean. I also think your comparison between the GT-T and the GT-R was great, but you didn't mention what speed you got up to when taking both cars for a spin. Over-all, the Skyline is my favourite car, but speed-wise (without modifications) is still good, but not good enough for me. Good comparison, mate!

Very nice comparison on the GT-T and GT-R. Thanks for the time invested in that. I'm not so sure about the Audi A8 sled boat. If people need to play my car is faster than yours games perhaps we need to talk about the McLaren F1. There is always a faster car yet there is not always patience to deal with insecure people.

The skyline is the best car in my garage.

Considering buying an imported skyline from Japan through a registered UK dealer. They say the have the car prepared and ready to drive away, taxed, registered mot and fog light converted. Has anybody used this way of buying a high performance car, and if so then how did you find the experience. Are there any "Little hidden" things that I should know about.

Have recently imported a 1995 MR2 T Bar Turbo (i know its no comparison to a skyline, don't worry!). It is pretty much the standard way to import a car from Japan. A £500 deposit and they will search for your car. He/she (better be pc) will find you're a few alternatives, put the bids in at auction and in the morning, give you a call and tell you what you have bought. You will then pay 50% of purchase price. Car can take upto 8 or 9 weeks on boat. It will then take a couple of weeks to get road ready-SVA, MOT, reparing scratches etc. You then pay the rest of the money and take the car. The Jap Auctions are very safe so don't be too worried about it. Any other queries email me at senie@tiscali.co.uk If you want a quality importer in the south east use JapTech.co.uk Used to be Japvillage's no2 but now runs his own company. He is supplying everything for modifying my car from engine through bodykit to ice.

Oh come on Audi A8, V8 Engine? ur putting V8 vs. straight 6 engine obviously A8 will kick, but. But yeah the GT-R comes out as around 320-330hp out of the box (even though they say its 280). So a straight v 2.5L -> 330hp and the 4.2L vs. gives -> 350hp. Hmmm

Nah, but I totally agree with you. GT-R is my favorite car too.

Here in Aus there are 2 GT-R (which I've seen on www.carsales.com.au for sale) 590KW and the other was 800hp

But I think the 590 was a GTS-T. But they are both heavily modified. Still with the rb26det and rb26det engines.

This car is actually probably one of the most capable car to tune. it has a massive potential because of its large engine bay and the block itself is a beauty. The car comes standard with 300 bhp and with that much horse power getting to the ground you need not to do much to the car if you plan to be a daily driver you only need about 450 bhp and a good driver to blow everything off the street unless they have a car specifically meant for drag then you'll fun into problems your car is a definite legend in the making!

On the subject of Japanese car auctions, these are far more up-market and hi tech than the UK equivalent. That's how they can process up to 12,000 vehicles per day on occasions. No need for the cloth-covered magnet or looking under the hood for chassis damage. Cars are graded and all defects marked on a report sheet. You can literally buy remote from your computer terminal. One slight difference, doubt if UK auctions run to a Muslim prayer room (straight up). So for you guys hesitating about buying a grey after hearing all that anti-grey scare stories from the government’s propaganda department (aka, BBC) : It's a lot safer than buying from your local free-ad mag. But if you are considering an expensive car, find yourself a friendly grey import dealer and make the trip to Japan. He'll probably sort you out with flight and accommodation. Give a trip a real focus, and will put your mind at rest over any slight "stolen car" risk. And hey, you single guys might come back with more than just a car.

One thing to remember about a Skyline GTR is that it comes with only about 9psi of boost from the factory. It does not matter what you do with the car at this power level, you can't damage the mechanicals.

Turn the boost up or add a pair of upgraded turbos and a remapped ECU, and the reliability is still there, but now you're talking about 600 HP with good city driveability. Or if you don't want to go that radical, simply turn the boost up on the stock turbos to say 15 psi and you are chunking out 450 HP.

Let's not even talk about the 1,000 HP cars that are still very drivable daily. And the good news is that you can lay down all this power with the Attessa 4WD system. Isn't this what makes up a Super Car? Name another car that can do this as accomplished.

Just quickly referring to the comment at the beginning:

A nice new shiny Audi A8 would set you back about 160k AUS... and a 1999 standard R34 GT-R imported from Japan would set you back about 60k AUS... Put 100k into a GTR and see what happens... even 5k would even-up the equation quite nicely.

GTR all the way.

A good friend of mine from Nagoya city had both a 300ZX TT and an R32 skyline.

The 300ZX (Z32) was a daily driver. 800BHP and 0-200 in 19 seconds.

The R32 had 1300-something REAL BHP. 60K spent on car, 100k in mods. This car went straight from the dealer to the shop (Big Valve) and was also a daily driver. (No kidding)

That Audi probably weighs 5000 lbs, and needs the V8 just to get around. You want to be old? Drive an Audi. You want a no-nonsense Japanese way to go fast? Pick Skyline.

It's not engine capacity that determines top speed, it's peak power and gear ratios. You could have 1.1, but if it's tuned to 200bhp with the right gear ratios, it could hit 145 mph.

I own a 2002 R34 GTR M-spec, I use it as a daily street driver.

A couple of mods, like exhaust, computer, boost controller (1.2 bar boost), a couple of Hks baby turbos (I don't like the factory ceramic turbos) and an upgraded Nismo twin plate clutch. The car puts out 290kw at all 4 wheels (386 hp). The car is very reliable no issues with it at all. I have run 11.5 second 1/4 miles with 120 mph trap.

On the track she sticks to the road like glue and for quick launches just dial up 5500-6000 rpm, plenty of wheel spin in first and second (yes all 4 265x35x18 Toyo T1R's) but still good for 1.7 second 60 footers. That's quick enough leave my mates GT2 behind.

OK the car in stock form is not very quick, but I can assure you it's a lot quicker than any A8 Audi even in straight line.

That bloke who's driven the Audi A8 obviously has never driven a Skyline. I have driven most cars - Cossies, Porsches, and dozens of others similar. Every time I drive my Skyline, I'm always amazed; and there is always a bit more left in the tank to wreck your head. Anyone out there who owns a Skyline knows this, as well as the very fact they know they are surely alive. V8 Drivers get a LIFE! Steve.

"I do like the Nissan Skyline. I have driven an Audi A8, which was fun considering it was a 4.2 4WD V8 engine. It is not a very nice looking car, but the power is immense. The only problem with the 4.2 is that the limiter stops it at 155 mph, which is not good enough for me! But the interior is great, and I have never seen so many gadgets in my life. My personal opinion is that the Nissan Skyline GT-T (without modification; and the same goes for the GT-R) would not stand a chance against a 350 bhp Audi A8 (de-limited, of course). You say the GT-R is a 2.6, so therefore, without modifications, will do the speed to the capacity of a 2.6, obviously, if it is de-limited. I think if I could do 4.2's worth of speed, the Audi would do about 200+ mph, if you get what I mean. I also think your comparison between the GT-T and the GT-R was great, but you didn't mention what speed you got up to when taking both cars for a spin. Overall, the Skyline is my favourite car, but speed-wise (without modifications) is still good, but not good enough for me. Good comparison, mate!"

This comment is immature and incorrect.

Apart from the fact that the speed you are comfortable reaching is completely off topic, you obviously have little knowledge of car engines and performance. Let me clarify:

The displacement of an engine does not dictate top speed. Top speed is a combination of torque, RPM, gearing and aerodynamics. The torque the engine produces is not completely related to displacement. The RPM an engine produces has more to do with bore/stroke measurements, weight of components, and balance of the engine than anything else.

Your lack of knowledge is evident when you mention that the 2.6l engine is not comparable to the Audi. This is wrong because the 2.6l is twin turbocharged to 0.7 Bar of boost. This means that the intake is pressurized to an additional 0.7 of atmosphere. If a car is running at 1.0 bar than the intake is pushing twice as much air (and thus fuel in order to maintain the 14.3:1 ratio) and therefore the engine is working at practically twice its capacity. To compare the GTR's displacement with an NA car, you multiply the capactity by the boost in barometrics. 1.7x2.6 = 4.42. As you can see the positive displacement more efficiently displaces more air/fuel than the A8. This combined with a lighter shell, more advanced AWD, and a lower drag coefficient means that the gtr would chomp an A8 in any performance orientated competition.

In regards to the review, I found it very informative. Some of the information provided is something you can only discover by actually driving the thing (seats, turn in and quality of ride).

The only gripe I have with it is the way it was written. Occasionally I found myself re-reading to establish which car you are actually talking about, and in the conclusion paragraph I found myself confused as to why you have used the word 'overall' three times in once sentence. Overall, it was much better than the rest of the articles on this site.