Lamborghini
Gallardo
Nissan
GT-R
Lamborghini Gallardo vs Nissan GT-R: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Nissan GT-R comes out ahead of the Lamborghini Gallardo on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Gallardo
Overall
The sentiment among owners and enthusiasts is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional connection. The Gallardo is widely celebrated as an accessible entry point into Lamborghini ownership, offering a compelling blend of dramatic styling, a sonorous V10 engine, and a raw, engaging driving character that is perceived as more involving and less sanitized than its modern successors. A very frequent point of praise is the 5.0-liter V10 engine's sound, which is often described as superior to the later 5.2-liter unit.
Best version to buy
The consensus strongly favors later model years (2009 onward, referred to as LP models) for their improved drivability, more robust engine blocks, and updated styling. Within that, the most desirable configurations are the rear-wheel-drive models, particularly the Valentino Balboni edition, cited as the "purest" driving experience.
Known issues
- ⚠High clutch replacement cost: approximately $10,000 USD, with original clutches sometimes lasting less than 30,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Catalytic converter failure: risk of disintegration sending material into the engine. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Oil consumption: some engines are noted to burn oil. Frequency: recurrent.
GT-R
Overall
The sentiment from the community is one of high performance respect with significant concerns regarding cost and technological evolution. The R35 GT-R is consistently praised for its exceptional track performance, particularly its stability at high speeds and its ability to compete with or outperform vehicles costing significantly more, such as the Bugatti Veyron on circuits like the Nürburgring. It is recognized as a technological marvel upon its release, offering supercar-level acceleration and handling at a comparatively accessible price point.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" model year or trim (e.g., NISMO vs. Premium).
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: frequently cited as a major ownership drawback, with costs described as "a ton." Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Dated technology: the all-wheel-drive system is noted as being unable to send more than 50% power to the front or split torque front-to-rear, and the transmission shifts slower than modern counterparts, making the platform less competitive…
The verdict
The Nissan GT-R is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Lamborghini Gallardo, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Lamborghini Gallardo is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Lamborghini Gallardo or the Nissan GT-R?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Nissan GT-R. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Lamborghini Gallardo or the Nissan GT-R?
The Nissan GT-R seats more passengers than the Lamborghini Gallardo on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Lamborghini Gallardo is classed as a Roadster, the Nissan GT-R as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Lamborghini Gallardo or the Nissan GT-R?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Lamborghini Gallardo or the Nissan GT-R?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan GT-R than the Lamborghini Gallardo. See the known issues comparison above.