Compare the2022 McLaren 720SVS 2021 Nissan GT-R

The McLaren 720S has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help 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 720S offers an optional 360 Degree Park Assist 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.

Both the 720S 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.

The 720S 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 720S’ corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the GT-R’s (10 vs. 5 years).

The battery on the 720S is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 720S’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The GT-R’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The 720S’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 145 more horsepower (710 vs. 565) and 101 lbs.-ft. more torque (568 vs. 467) than the GT-R’s standard 3.8 turbo V6. The 720S’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 110 more horsepower (710 vs. 600) and 87 lbs.-ft. more torque (568 vs. 481) than the GT-R NISMO’s standard 3.8 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the McLaren 720S is faster than the Nissan GT-R:

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the 720S’ 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. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The GT-R doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The 720S has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The GT-R doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the McLaren 720S, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the GT-R.

The 720S has standard air brakes, which adjust the rear spoiler automatically during high-speed braking in order to shorten stopping distances. The GT-R doesn’t offer air brakes.

The 720S stops much shorter than the GT-R:

For better traction and acceleration, the 720S has larger rear tires than the GT-R (305/30R20 vs. 285/35R20).

The 720S’ 245/35R19 front and 305/30R20 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.

The 720S offers an optional automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GT-R doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 720S is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the GT-R.

The 720S Coupe handles at 1.09 G’s, while the GT-R Premium pulls only .98 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The 720S Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the GT-R Premium (22.3 seconds @ 1.05 average G’s vs. 23.6 seconds @ .79 average G’s).

The McLaren 720S may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 750 pounds less than the Nissan GT-R.

The 720S is 5.7 inches shorter than the GT-R Premium, making the 720S easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 720S’ standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The GT-R doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The 720S Coupe has a much larger trunk than the GT-R (12.7 vs. 8.8 cubic feet).

The 720S offers an optional under hood light to help in making nighttime maintenance checks, adding fluids, etc. The GT-R doesn’t offer an under hood light.

When two different drivers share the 720S, the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. 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 720S’ optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The GT-R doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The 720S’ 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 720S the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. 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 720S’ 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.

When the 720S is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The GT-R’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The McLaren 720S comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Nissan GT-R isn’t available as a convertible.

The 720S was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The GT-R has never been an “All Star.”