0-60 head-to-head · Sourced figures
Is the BMW M3 faster than a Nissan GT-R?
No. The 2017 GT-R is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 3.0 s vs 4.1 s for the 2021 M3 (BMW claim vs MotorWeek test).
By CarWhere Research · Figures checked 2026-11-14 · Every number links to its source · How we compare
M3 0-60
4.1 s
BMW-claimed
GT-R 0-60
3.0 s
tested by MotorWeek
M3 power
473 hp
RWD
GT-R power
565 hp
AWD
M3 vs GT-R: specs side by side
Manufacturer figures first; a named instrumented test only where the automaker publishes none (or as context). Bracketed numbers link to the source.
| 2021 BMW M3 | 2017 Nissan GT-R | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years | 2021–present | 2017–2024 |
| Figures quoted for | 2021 model year | 2017 model year |
| Powertrain | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6, 6-speed manual | 3.8L twin-turbo V6, 6-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive | RWD | AWD |
| Body | sedan | coupe |
| Horsepower | 473 hp[1] | 565 hp[2] |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft[1] | 467 lb-ft[3]@ 3,300-5,800 rpm |
| Curb weight | 3,840 lb[1] | 3,929 lb[3] |
| Pounds per hp | 8.1 | 7 |
| 0-60 mph (manufacturer) | 4.1 s[1]BMW-claimed · manual | Not published |
| 0-60 mph (instrumented test) | Not published | 3.0 s[4]tested by MotorWeek · 2017 GT-R Track Edition (565 hp), dual-clutch |
| Quarter mile | Not published | 11.2 s @ 125 mph[4]tested by MotorWeek · 2017 GT-R Track Edition, 6-speed DCT |
| Top speed | 155 mph[1]BMW-claimed · electronically limited | Not published |
| Launch MSRP | $69,900[1]2021 base MSRP · excl. destination | $109,990[2]2017 base MSRP · excl. $1,595 destination |
Which is quicker?
0-60 mph
The GT-R is quicker to 60 mph by 1.1 s: 3.0 s vs 4.1 s (BMW claim vs MotorWeek test). One figure is an automaker claim and the other an instrumented magazine test, so treat a small gap as a near-tie: claims and tests are measured differently.
Quarter mile
Only the GT-R has a published quarter-mile time (11.2 s, tested by MotorWeek).
Top speed
A top speed is not published for both cars.
Why
The GT-R carries less weight per horsepower (7 vs 8.1 lb per hp). The GT-R drives all four wheels while the M3 is rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive usually helps most off the line, which is why AWD cars often win to 60 mph and give some of it back over longer distances.
Other versions
The answer can flip with the trim. Other BMW M3 and Nissan GT-R versions in our dataset:
Price new and what buyers paid
- BMW M3: launched at $69,900 (2021 base MSRP).
- Nissan GT-R: launched at $109,990 (2017 base MSRP). No longer sold new (last model year 2024).
Deal medians are model-level discounts from approved, deduplicated CarWhere buyer deal sheets (snapshot 2026-11-08), shown only with 5+ deals. More on what people paid.
How we compare
We compare like with like: two automaker claims when both exist, otherwise two instrumented tests, and we say so when we have to mix them. Where a source lists several configurations, we lead with the quickest one it states (and name it). Acceleration times depend on surface, temperature, tires, fuel and launch technique, so a gap of 0.1 s is within the noise.
No figure here is simulated or estimated. Blank cells mean no automaker figure and no named instrumented test we could cite. Figures are for the model year shown; later updates can change them.
More on these cars
More head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the BMW M3 faster than a Nissan GT-R?
No — the 2017 GT-R is quicker, hitting 60 mph in 3.0 s vs 4.1 s for the 2021 M3 (BMW claim vs MotorWeek test).
What is the 0-60 time of the BMW M3?
4.1 seconds (BMW-claimed, manual) for the 2021 model year, from 473 hp.
What is the 0-60 time of the Nissan GT-R?
3.0 seconds (tested by MotorWeek, 2017 GT-R Track Edition (565 hp), dual-clutch) for the 2017 model year, from 565 hp.
Which costs more new, the M3 or the GT-R?
At launch, the 2021 M3 started at $69,900 and the 2017 GT-R at $109,990 (base MSRP before destination and options).
Sources
Automaker press releases and spec sheets first; instrumented tests are credited to the publication that ran them.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2021 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2017 Nissan GT-R Premium — Nissan USA Newsroom, 2016-06-02. Accessed 2026-11-14.
- 2017 Nissan GT-R Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom. Accessed 2026-11-14.
- MotorWeek, “2017 Nissan GT-R Track Edition - MotorWeek”, 2017-03-31.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2025 BMW M3 — BMW of North America. Accessed 2026-11-03.
- 2020 Nissan GT-R Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom. Accessed 2026-11-14.