Nissan vs Ford

2011 Nissan GT-R vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Review

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Overview
The most powerful factory-built Mustang ever built just got stronger.  The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 blends classic Detroit muscle with the sleek and bold look of the Mustang.

Available as a coupe or convertible, the 2011 Shelby GT500 receives an all-new aluminum engine that is 102 pounds lighter, while offering more horsepower.  The Shelby GT500 boasts a supercharged 5.4-liter, 550-horsepower V-8 and is mated to a six-speed Tremec® manual transmission allowing the Shelby to explode through the different gears taking you from 0 to 60 in just over five seconds with 510 pounds-feet of torque.  The Shelby receives improved fuel economy with 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.  Large racing stripes course over the hood, roof and rear fascia, setting the Shelby GT500 apart from all other Mustangs.
For those who wish to push the GT500 to the max, a new SVT Performance Package features Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires on lightweight aluminum forged wheels and a lowered ride height with firmer springs for supreme handling.  An optional panoramic glass roof and a new dual exhaust system give Shelby enthusiasts plenty of features to enjoy.
The grille and lower bumper opening feature black mesh inserts and the grille boasts a Cobra logo on it.  If you opt for the convertible, you better remove your hat before you lower the power-operated top.  Available only in black, the top is constructed of fabric and you’ll have to manually secure and release it.
Once inside the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, you can enjoy an optional 8-inch, voice-activated touch screen navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link. Two powerful Shaker audio systems are available – a 500-watt version and an Earth-shattering 1,000-watt version with dual trunk subwoofers.  An auxiliary audio input jack will accommodate your iPod® with ease, and SIRIUS® satellite radio comes standard. The SYNC™ Communications and Entertainment System, which allows you to use voice commands to access your music collection by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth®.  Standard cloth or optional heated leather seating surfaces wrap around supportive front bucket seats, while coupes feature a 50/50 split fold rear seat back to handle large cargo items.

For safety, all Mustangs come with dual front and side airbags, and an anti-lock braking system is optional on V-6 models and standard on GT. An electronic stability system is new for 2011.
Go fast—really fast with the lightening-quick 2011 Ford Shelby GT500.
2011 Nissan GT-R Overview
Even superlatives fall woefully short of adequately describing the sheer madness that is packed into the 2011 Nissan GT-R.  The descendant of Nissan’s legendary Skyline GT-R, the new breed GT-R carries on the tradition of the Skyline as well as its nickname: “Godzilla.”
Any discussion of the monstrous 2011 GT-R has to start with its fantastic engine.  Each GT-R is outfitted with a 485-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter 24-valve V6 producing 434 pounds-feet of torque.  Horsepower numbers for the GT-R are approximate, since each engine is hand built.  All GT-R engines and transmissions are hand built in a hermetically sealed clean factory, to ensure accuracy of parts and assembly.  When measured some GT-R engines have been found to have output that approaches 500-horsepower.
The GT-R posts some of the most impressive acceleration and power numbers found in cars today.  It launches from 0-60 mph in a lightning quick 3.5 seconds, and keeps running all the way to a top speed of 193 mph.  Numbers like these have traditionally been reserved for super cars, but the GT-R routinely outperforms cars that cost two to three times as much.  Each GT-R comes mated to a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, that when switched into sport mode can bang out shifts in a near instantaneous two-tenths of a second.
Fuel economy in the GT-R is a respectable 15 mpg in the city, and 21 mpg on the highway.
To mistake the GT-R for a straight-line dragster would be a monumental oversight, because although it is one of the fastest cars around on a drag strip, it truly comes alive in the bends.  The GT-R employs a space age aerodynamic design which channels air to the rear spoiler providing an abundance of downforce and absolute stability.  Combined with a four wheel drive system and an adjustable suspension, the GT-R devours corners with grip and tenacity.
Even though it is foremost a driver’s car and built to go fast, the GT-R comes with a surprising amount of amenities and cabin comforts.  Highlights include dual zone climate control, a music box hard drive for digital music storage, leather sport seats, power adjustable front seats, and Nissan’s hard drive navigation system with voice recognition.  For 2011, Nissan has compressed the GT-R line up and it is now only available in premium trim.  Automatic wipers, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and DVD capability all become new standard features in 2011. The center console is dominated by Nissan’s driver configurable Multi-Function display system, which can be programmed to display almost any piece of information about the cars performance, including lateral or acceleration g-force, oil temperature and pressure, turbo boost, etc.
Nissan’s advanced air bag system and one of the most advanced traction control systems help keep you safe in the GT-R.  Each wheel rides on 15-inch disc antilock brakes, with six-piston Brembo calipers for optimal stopping power – it takes just 104 feet for the GT-R to stop from 60 mph.
The 2011 Nissan GT-R is an automotive and technical tour-de-force, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering.  To find suitable competition for the GT-R, you have to leap up two to three times its price giving it incredible value.  It is a truly a car that must be seen, to be believed.  Run!  Godzilla is coming!
Read 2011 Nissan GT-R consumer reviews