Nissan Skyline vs. Toyota Supra: Battle of the Japanese Legends
When it comes to legendary Japanese sports cars, two names dominate the conversation: the Nissan Skyline and the Toyota Supra. These two titans of the automotive world have captured the hearts of car enthusiasts for decades, earning their place as icons in performance, tuning, and motorsport. But how do they stack up against each other? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into their history, performance, design, and legacy to determine which car truly reigns supreme.
A Brief History of the Titans
Nissan Skyline
The Skyline’s journey began in 1957, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s and the introduction of the GT-R badge that it cemented its place in automotive history. The R32, R33, and R34 generations of the Skyline GT-R became legendary for their advanced technology, including the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and RB26DETT engine, which provided remarkable performance and tuning potential. Today, the latest GT-R models, often called “Godzilla,” continue to set benchmarks for high-performance vehicles.
Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra’s story began in 1978 as a performance-oriented spin-off of the Celica. However, it wasn’t until the fourth-generation A80 Supra in the 1990s that the car gained global fame. Powered by the legendary 2JZ-GTE inline-six engine, the Supra became a favorite among tuners and racers alike. The modern GR Supra, developed in collaboration with BMW, carries forward the Supra’s legacy while introducing advanced technology and contemporary styling.
Design: A Clash of Styles
Nissan Skyline
The Skyline’s design has always been a blend of aggression and sophistication. The R34 GT-R, for example, features sharp, angular lines, a low stance, and iconic quad taillights. The latest GT-R models maintain this aggressive aesthetic with aerodynamic enhancements and bold features like a prominent grille and sculpted hood.
Toyota Supra
The Supra, on the other hand, leans towards a more curvaceous and sporty design. The fourth-generation Supra A80 is renowned for its sleek profile, pop-up headlights, and iconic rear wing. The modern GR Supra builds on this legacy with a more futuristic look, featuring sharp creases, a double-bubble roof, and a wide rear stance that screams performance.
Performance: Powerhouses on the Road
Nissan Skyline Performance
The Skyline GT-R models, particularly the R32, R33, and R34, are equipped with the RB26DETT, a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that produces up to 280 horsepower in stock form (due to Japan’s “gentlemen’s agreement”). However, tuners often push this engine to produce over 1,000 horsepower.
Modern GT-R models, like the R35, take performance to the next level. Their 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 565 horsepower in standard form and up to 710 horsepower in the GT-R NISMO variant. The advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures blistering acceleration and precise handling, making it a formidable contender on both road and track.
Toyota Supra Performance
The legendary A80 Supra features the 2JZ-GTE, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 276 horsepower in stock form. Like the Skyline’s RB26DETT, the 2JZ-GTE is a favorite among tuners, capable of handling immense power with relatively few modifications.
The modern GR Supra, powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, produces 382 horsepower. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering quick shifts and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds. The GR Supra is rear-wheel drive, offering a more traditional sports car feel than the all-wheel-drive Skyline.
Driving Dynamics: Precision vs. Playfulness
Nissan Skyline
The Skyline GT-R’s all-wheel-drive system and advanced traction control make it incredibly stable and confidence-inspiring, even at high speeds or in challenging conditions. The R34 GT-R, in particular, is lauded for its balanced handling, thanks to its ATTESA E-TS system and Multi-Link Suspension. The modern R35 GT-R continues this tradition with razor-sharp precision, making it a dominant force on the track.
Toyota Supra
With its rear-wheel-drive layout, the Supra offers a more playful and engaging driving experience. The A80 Supra is known for its excellent weight distribution and responsive steering, making it a joy to drive. The GR Supra enhances this with a refined suspension system and adaptive dampers, balancing comfort and performance.
Tuning Potential: Legends of Customization
Both the Skyline and Supra are legends in the tuning world. They offer massive aftermarket support and virtually limitless customization potential.
- Skyline: The RB26DETT engine is a tuner’s dream, capable of producing over 1,000 horsepower with the right modifications. Upgraded turbos, intercoolers, and ECU tuning are common upgrades for Skyline enthusiasts.
- Supra: The 2JZ-GTE engine’s robust design makes it equally popular among tuners. Its iron block can handle extreme boost levels, making 1,000+ horsepower builds regularly in the Supra community.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Nissan Skyline
The Skyline GT-R earned its “Godzilla” nickname after dominating motorsport in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is a symbol of Japanese engineering excellence and a favorite in racing games, movies, and car culture worldwide. The R34 GT-R, in particular, has achieved cult status, partly thanks to its role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
Toyota Supra
The Supra’s reputation was solidified in the 1990s as a tuner’s paradise and a star in motorsport. The A80’s appearance in “The Fast and the Furious” cemented its status as a cultural icon. The GR Supra has revitalized the nameplate, appealing to a new generation of enthusiasts while honoring its storied past.
Pricing and Availability
- Skyline: Classic Skyline GT-R models, like the R34, command premium prices in the collector market, often exceeding $100,000. The modern R35 GT-R starts at around $115,000, with the NISMO variant priced closer to $215,000.
- Supra: The A80 Supra’s value has skyrocketed, with pristine examples selling for over $150,000. The GR Supra, however, is more accessible, starting at approximately $45,000.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra ultimately depends on your priorities as a driver and enthusiast.
- Go with the Skyline if you value all-wheel-drive stability, advanced technology, and a legacy of motorsport dominance. It’s the ultimate precision machine that performs in all conditions.
- Choose the Supra if you prefer rear-wheel-drive dynamics, a playful driving experience, and a car deeply entrenched in tuning culture. It’s the ultimate platform for personal expression and modification.
Both cars are legends in their own right, and owning either is a ticket to automotive history. Whether chasing track records or building a show-stopping custom car, the Skyline and Supra offer endless possibilities and timeless appeal.