The GT-R has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The MC20 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.
Both the GT-R and the MC20 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.
Nissan’s powertrain warranty covers the GT-R 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Maserati covers the MC20. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the MC20 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.
The GT-R’s corrosion warranty is 1 year and unlimited miles longer than the MC20’s (5/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).
There are over 9 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Maserati dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GT-R’s warranty.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Maserati vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan above average in initial quality. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Maserati is rated lower.
The GT-R has a gallon more fuel capacity than the MC20 (19.5 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
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 Maserati MC20 is not available with all wheel drive.
For better stopping power the GT-R’s brake rotors are larger than those on the MC20:
|
|
GT-R |
GT-R NISMO/T-Spec |
MC20 |
MC20 CCB |
| Front Rotors |
15.35 inches |
16.14 inches |
15 inches |
15.5 inches |
| Rear Rotors |
15 inches |
15.35 inches |
13.8 inches |
14.7 inches |
For better traction, the GT-R has larger front tires than the MC20 (255/40R20 vs. 245/35R20).
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 MC20 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GT-R’s wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer than on the MC20 (109.4 inches vs. 106.3 inches).
The GT-R’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (54.7% to 45.3%) than the MC20’s (40% to 60%). This gives the GT-R more stable handling and braking.
For better maneuverability, the GT-R’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the MC20’s (36.6 feet vs. 38.7 feet). The GT-R NISMO’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the MC20’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).
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 MC20 (.38 to .39). 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 MC20 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.
The GT-R has standard seating for 4 passengers; the MC20 can only carry 2.
The GT-R has 31 cubic feet more passenger volume than the MC20 (79 vs. 48).
The GT-R has a much larger trunk than the MC20 Coupe (8.8 vs. 5.3 cubic feet).
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 MC20 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.
The GT-R’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Maserati does not offer a locking feature on the MC20’s standard power windows.
The GT-R’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The MC20’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.
The Intelligent Key standard on the GT-R allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Maserati MC20’s Extended Keyless Go doesn’t unlock the trunk.
The GT-R’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The MC20’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.