Compare the2022 Aston Martin DBSVS 2021 Nissan GT-R

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability

Safety

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The Aston Martin DBS has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GT-R doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The DBS has a standard Birds-eye Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The GT-R only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The DBS’ blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The GT-R doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

Both the DBS and the GT-R have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

Warranty

The DBS comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The GT-R’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The DBS’ corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the GT-R’s (10 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

The battery on the DBS is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the DBS’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The GT-R’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

Engine

The DBS’ 5.2 turbo V12 produces 150 more horsepower (715 vs. 565) and 197 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 467) than the GT-R’s standard 3.8 turbo V6. The DBS’ 5.2 turbo V12 produces 115 more horsepower (715 vs. 600) and 183 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 481) than the GT-R NISMO’s standard 3.8 turbo V6.

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the DBS’ fuel efficiency. The GT-R doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the DBS’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The GT-R doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The DBS has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the GT-R (21.1 vs. 19.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Aston Martin DBS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the GT-R.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the DBS’ standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the GT-R:

	DBS	GT-R
Front Rotors	16.1 inches	15.35 inches

The DBS stops shorter than the GT-R:

	DBS	GT-R
60 to 0 MPH	103 feet	104 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the DBS has larger tires than the GT-R (F:265/35R21 & R:305/30R21 vs. F:255/40R20 & R:285/35R20).

The DBS’ 265/35R21 front and 305/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GT-R’s standard 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the DBS has standard 21-inch wheels. Only 20-inch wheels are available on the GT-R.

Suspension and Handling

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the DBS is 2.8 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the GT-R.

The DBS’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the GT-R’s (54.7% to 45.3%). This gives the DBS more stable handling and braking.

The DBS Superleggera Coupe handles at 1.02 G’s, while the GT-R Premium pulls only .98 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

Passenger Space

The DBS has .5 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom and 1.9 inches more rear legroom than the GT-R.

Cargo Capacity

The DBS Coupe has a larger trunk than the GT-R (9.5 vs. 8.8 cubic feet).

Servicing Ease

The DBS uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The GT-R uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the DBS, the memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The GT-R doesn’t offer a memory system.

The DBS’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The GT-R doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The DBS’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The GT-R has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

If the windows are left open on the DBS the driver can close them all from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the GT-R can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The DBS’ rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The GT-R’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the DBS has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The GT-R doesn’t offer cornering lights. The DBS also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The DBS’ power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The GT-R’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

When the DBS is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The GT-R’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the DBS keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The GT-R doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the DBS’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The GT-R doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The DBS’ Auto Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The GT-R doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Aston Martin DBS comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Nissan GT-R isn’t available as a convertible.