2012 Lexus LFA vs 2010 Nissan GT-R - Motor Trend
 

the race is at the end of the video

LFA 11.8 @123

GTR 11.9 @ 120



For our drag video (see below), we rely on time tested hand signals to stage and send the cars. After the ready confirmation, our starter's hands go up one at time. When they both go down, it's show time.
Nail the LFA launch just right -- just after the hands start coming down -- and a half-length holeshot on the GT-R is possible. That's enough to crush it from start to finish. Leave but a fraction of a second later, and the LFA becomes the hunted one. Eleven seconds have never felt this slow; at every upshift, the single-clutch Lexus loses precious inches off its lead to the double-clutching GT-R. One to two -- the GT-R hits 60 in just 3.5 seconds to the LFA's 3.8. Two to three, three to four -- the GT-R nearly pulls even as both accelerate into the triple digits. Only now the LFA begins to exhort its top end dominance. That three-tenths of a second advantage is gone by 90 mph. In fact, the LFA hits 100 mph four-tenths faster than the GT-R -- and just keeps going. As both flash past the quarter-mile marker, the LFA never looks back.

And yet, for those only interested in stoplight grand prix, the GT-R is still the better choice. While the LFA may be faster on paper and on limitless stretches of highway, Godzilla launches more consistently and feasts on imperfect launches. Nine times out of ten, the GT-R leaves quick enough to overcome the LFA's top-end advantage

Although we already know who will win, it's all theoretical bench racing. During acceleration testing of the Lexus, we uncover an ugly truth about the LFA's long gestation period. Its sequential manual gearbox (SMG) feels years behind the dual clutch boxes like the GT-R.

Lexus claims no official launch control for the LFA, and its SMG transmission isn't particularly snappy when simply flooring the throttle. Yet all attempts at power braked launches (even with traction control completely shut off) are met with frantic resistance. Herky-jerky engagement results in only mid-4 second launches -- far off the claimed 3.6-second pace claimed by Lexus. At this point, our boy Bill suggests we try some illicit activity with his LFA. "Put it in neutral, rev to 4000 rpm, and then grab the + paddle for first gear," he says.

To his credit, road test editor Scott Mortara adamantly refuses -- not wanting to be the first (and last) journalist to litter the dragstrip with $375,000 worth of LFA powertrain. Only after a phone consultation with the engineers back at Lexus HQ, does Mortara grudgingly consent to try this technique.

It works, but not all of the time. A great launch means only a chirp of the tires and blistering acceleration, but vary the rpm just bit and the LFA torches its rubber before rocketing down the strip. A slight delay between paddle actuation and SMG response further complicates a fast start.

In comparison, few things are simpler than launching a GT-R. Since launch control has been removed, all it takes is a bit of powerbraking to help load the transmission and build boost. Then sledgehammer the pedal and hold on.





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2012 Lexus LFA vs 2010 Nissan GT-R Comparison - Motor Trend

"What Do You Need to Determine the Street Value of a $375,000 Lexus LFA? A Dyno, Dragstrip and An $87,000 Nissan GT-R"

I just watched the Top Gear where they tested the LFA. They asked if the LFA was 3 times as fast as the GTR. Of course everyone said well.. no. Then Jeremy asked why was it 3 times as expensive. Lexus is actually losing money for every LFA they sell.

Lexus... stick to the 4 door sedans.

:shakes head: I would still take the LFA over the GTR anyday.

Man...the GT-R looks like a boat in the pics....Nissan has to go back to the designer board on the exterior of this car...

It's beside a mid engine $400,000 car. Of course it looks like a boat.

I would buy 4 GTR's and have friends drive them around with me.

LFA no doubt.

those pics hurt my eyes :\ MT used to have some great photography, but they've gotten into this washed out look now... not a fan.

the link isn't working for me!

Me? GT-R, cause lexus will never let me have one....

The price tag on the LF-A is for exclusivity and nothing else..

It is an obvious no-brainer to choose the GT-R over the LF-A as very simple mods to the first will make it considerably faster...

Nissan truly did an awesome job with the R35..

I would take the gtr over the lexus any day, more driver friendly and can take it to the track and drive on the road everyday.

Poor comparison. I'm a big GTR fan...But it should be compared to other exotics, no?

A tune, just a tune and that GTR can smoke the LFA. I'd like to see it up against exotics around it's price.