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The GT-R has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The RC F doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.
Both the GT-R and the RC F 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.
There are over 4 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GT-R’s warranty.
The GT-R’s standard 3.8 turbo V6 produces 93 more horsepower (565 vs. 472) and 72 lbs.-ft. more torque (467 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The GT-R NISMO’s standard 3.8 turbo V6 produces 128 more horsepower (600 vs. 472) and 86 lbs.-ft. more torque (481 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.
As tested in Motor Trend the Nissan GT-R (base engine) is faster than the Lexus RC F:
|
|
GT-R |
RC F |
| Zero to 60 MPH |
2.9 sec |
4.5 sec |
| Quarter Mile |
11.2 sec |
12.9 sec |
| Speed in 1/4 Mile |
123.4 MPH |
110.3 MPH |
In a Road and Track race course test, the Nissan GT-R NISMO was clocked 3.76 seconds faster than the Lexus RC F Track Edition (83.8 sec. vs. 87.56 sec.).
The GT-R has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the RC F (19.5 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
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 RC F 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 Lexus RC F is not available with all wheel drive.
For better stopping power the GT-R’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RC F:
|
|
GT-R |
GT-R NISMO/T-Spec |
RC F |
| Front Rotors |
15.35 inches |
16.14 inches |
15 inches |
| Rear Rotors |
15 inches |
15.35 inches |
13.6 inches |
| Opt Rear Rotors |
|
|
14.9 inches |
The GT-R stops shorter than the RC F:
|
|
GT-R |
RC F |
|
| 60 to 0 MPH |
103 feet |
108 feet |
Motor Trend |
For better traction, the GT-R has larger tires than the RC F (F:255/40R20 & R:285/35R20 vs. F:235/35R19 & R:275/35R19).
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GT-R has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 19-inch wheels are available on the RC F.
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 RC F doesn’t offer run-flat tires.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GT-R’s wheelbase is 1.9 inches longer than on the RC F (109.4 inches vs. 107.5 inches).
For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the GT-R is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than the track on the RC F.
The GT-R NISMO handles at 1.02 G’s, while the RC F pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.
The GT-R NISMO executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the RC F (22.9 seconds @ .92 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .8 average G’s).
To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the GT-R has a liquid-filled front engine mount. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The RC F uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.
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 RC F (.33). 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 has .3 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front hip room, 3.6 inches more front shoulder room and 3.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC F.
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 RC F does not have an oil pressure gauge.
The GT-R has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The RC F Track Edition doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.
The GT-R will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the GT-R will retain 61.52% to 64.64% of its original price after five years, while the RC F only retains 57.75%.
Road and Track performed a comparison test in its December 2019 issue and they ranked the Nissan GT-R NISMO three places higher than the Lexus RC F Track Edition.