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Although it may be getting on in years, the Nissan GT-R R35 can still compete in drag races. Given that it is primarily a luxury sedan with strong performance chops, the BMW M550i xDrive is admittedly far from being a supercar. To find out which is faster in a straight line, the powerful Godzilla and the Bavarian saloon competed in an intriguing race.
The only other features they have in common are all-wheel drive, twin-turbo gasoline engines, and automated transmissions. The 3.8-litre V6 engine in the Japanese supercar produces 565 horsepower, compared to the BMW’s 4.4-litre V8’s 523 horsepower. Remember that this GT-R is a standard model rather than the more potent Nismo model with 600 horsepower. Additionally, there is a special R50 variant with a staggering 710 horsepower.
The M550i xDrive weighs significantly more (4,275 lbs (1,939 kg) vs. 3,933 lbs (1,783 kg) although it has more torque (553 lb-ft (750 Nm) vs. 467 lb-ft (633 Nm). Given that the Nissan utilizes a six-speed dual-clutch and the BMW has an eight-speed torque converter, their gearboxes are significantly different. With the makeover unveiled in 2017, the GT-gear R’s changes include its engine’s redline raised to 7,100 rpm, and how it became quieter and smoother.
At the start of the first drag race, the two were neck and neck, but the GT-R progressively pulled ahead. As a result, it was the first to cross the finish line. Some people will be shocked to learn that there wasn’t a huge difference between the two. The Nissan drew ahead more quickly in the ensuing roll race, which began at 32 mph (50 km/h) in second gear. The GT-R retook the lead at 49 mph (80 km/h) in second gear and never gave it back.
Some may remember that the M550i xDrive’s software malfunctioned during the 2021 model year. This caused the vehicle to accelerate to 60 mph more slowly than the manufacturer claimed. A misunderstanding between the stability control system and the V8’s computer was to blame. To fix the issue, an over-the-air update was released. This vehicle, a 2022MY, is free of such problems.
