Compare the2023 Nissan GT-RVS 2023 Aston Martin DBS

The GT-R has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The DBS doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The GT-R has standard NissanConnect Services, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The DBS 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 GT-R and the DBS 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.

Nissan’s powertrain warranty covers the GT-R 2 years longer than Aston Martin covers the DBS. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the DBS ends after only 3 years.

There are almost 31 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Aston Martin dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GT-R’s warranty.

As tested in Motor Trend the Nissan GT-R (base engine) is faster than the Aston Martin DBS:

On the EPA test cycle the GT-R gets better fuel mileage than the DBS (16 city/22 hwy vs. 14 city/22 hwy).

The GT-R offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The DBS doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

All wheel drive, available in the GT-R, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Aston Martin DBS is not available with all wheel drive.

The GT-R’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s at 4100 in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The DBS doesn’t offer launch control.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the GT-R can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The DBS doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The GT-R NISMO executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the DBS Superleggera Coupe (22.9 seconds @ .92 average G’s vs. 23.6 seconds @ .89 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the GT-R’s turning circle is 4.1 feet tighter than the DBS’ (36.6 feet vs. 40.7 feet). The GT-R NISMO’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the DBS’ (37.4 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The Nissan GT-R may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 350 pounds less than the Aston Martin DBS.

The design of the Nissan GT-R amounts to more than styling. The GT-R has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .26 Cd. That is significantly lower than the DBS (.38). A more efficient exterior helps the GT-R go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the GT-R get better fuel mileage.

The GT-R uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The DBS doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the GT-R a Subcompact car, while the DBS Coupe is rated a Minicompact.

The GT-R has 7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the DBS (79 vs. 72).

The GT-R has 8.5 inches more rear headroom and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the DBS.

With its coupe body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the GT-R offers cargo security. The DBS’ non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GT-R. The DBS doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The GT-R’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The DBS does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GT-R’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Aston Martin does not offer a locking feature on the DBS’ standard power windows.

The GT-R’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The DBS’ visors are fixed into the windshield header.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the GT-R has standard rear heat vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The DBS doesn’t offer rear vents.