Compare the2023 Maserati MC20VS 2021 Nissan GT-R

The MC20 offers optional Automated Emergency Braking, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The GT-R doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The MC20 Cielo has a standard Surround View System 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 MC20’s optional 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.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MC20’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The GT-R doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The MC20 has standard Maserati Connect, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The GT-R doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the MC20 and the GT-R have standard driver and passenger frontal 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 MC20 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-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 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The battery on the MC20 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the MC20’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The GT-R’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The MC20’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 56 more horsepower (621 vs. 565) and 71 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 467) than the GT-R’s standard 3.8 turbo V6. The MC20’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 21 more horsepower (621 vs. 600) and 57 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 481) than the GT-R NISMO’s standard 3.8 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the MC20 gets better fuel mileage than the GT-R (15 city/25 hwy vs. 16 city/22 hwy).

The MC20 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.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati MC20 higher (5 out of 10) than the Nissan GT-R (3). This means the MC20 produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GT-R every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Maserati MC20, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the GT-R.

For better traction and acceleration, the MC20 has larger rear tires than the GT-R (305/30R20 vs. 285/35R20).

The MC20’s 245/35R20 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.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the MC20 is 3.4 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the GT-R.

The Maserati MC20 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 550 pounds less than the Nissan GT-R.

The MC20’s 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 MC20 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.

The MC20 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The GT-R doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The MC20’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The GT-R doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The MC20’s 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 MC20 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 MC20’s 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.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the MC20 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The GT-R doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The MC20’s standard rear view mirror and optional side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The GT-R has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Maserati MC20 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The GT-R doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Maserati MC20 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Nissan GT-R isn’t available as a convertible.