GTSt vs GT-R : What is the Difference Between Skyline Models

The question you were afraid to ask, and I don't think I have ever actually answered in a post.

GTS-t vs GT-R: What is the Difference Between Nissan Skyline Models?

The Nissan Skyline is one of Japan’s most iconic performance car lineages, but within the R32, R33, and R34 generations, there’s often confusion between the GTS-t (or later 25GT Turbo) and the more revered GT-R models. Here’s a breakdown of the major differences that matter to enthusiasts, collectors, and tuners alike.

🎯 Focus: R32, R33, R34 Generations

This comparison focuses exclusively on R32 (1989–1994), R33 (1995–1998), and R34 (1999–2002) models — the generations that defined the modern Skyline legacy. Earlier Skylines and other trim variations are not covered in this breakdown.

🧩 Platform & Chassis

• R32 GTS-t (1989–1993): Based on the RWD Nissan HCR32 chassis. Single turbo RB20DET engine. Lighter than the GT-R.

• R32 GT-R: Based on the BNR32 chassis. AWD with ATTESA E-TS and powered by the twin-turbo RB26DETT. Wider track, aluminum fenders, upgraded brakes, and multi-link suspension.

• R33 GTS25t (1993–1998): Rear-wheel-drive with the RB25DET engine. Still sporty, but not in GT-R territory.

• R33 GT-R: BNR33 chassis, ATTESA E-TS Pro with active LSD in the V·Spec variant. Wider body, better weight balance, and active aero systems.

• R34 25GT Turbo (1998–2002): The RWD RB25DET Neo-powered coupe, often mistaken as a GT-R due to visual similarities.

• R34 GT-R: BNR34 chassis, RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS Pro, Brembo brakes, multi-function display (MFD), and unique aero parts

🔧 Engine & Drivetrain

Model	Engine	Drivetrain	Power
GTS-t (R32)	RB20DET	RWD	~212 hp
GT-R (R32)	RB26DETT	AWD	~276 hp
GTS25t (R33)	RB25DET	RWD	~247 hp
GT-R (R33)	RB26DETT	AWD	~276 hp
25GT Turbo (R34)	RB25DET Neo	RWD	~276 hp
GT-R (R34)	RB26DETT	AWD	~276 hp

Note: All GT-R models used the stronger 5-speed or Getrag 6-speed transmissions, while GTS-t and 25GT variants used 5-speed manuals or autos.

🔍 Key Differences

• AWD vs RWD: GT-Rs have Nissan’s ATTESA all-wheel-drive, critical for traction and high-speed stability.

• Body and Aero: GT-Rs feature wider body panels, front diffusers(R34), rear diffusers (R34), and enhanced cooling.

• Brakes: GT-Rs came with larger brakes (often Brembo), while GTS models used more basic setups.

• Interiors: GT-R interiors have unique steering wheels, seats, and in the R34, a multi-function display showing engine vitals.

⚖️ Weight and Balance

• GT-R models are heavier due to AWD systems, but feature better balance and structural reinforcements.

• R33 GT-R in particular focused on improved weight distribution over the R32.

🔧 Tuning Potential

• RB26DETT is overbuilt and responds well to boost, supporting over 500 hp with the right mods.

• RB25DET engines are strong, especially the NEO version, but lack the same level of aftermarket support and durability as the RB26 under extreme use.

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Summary:

If you want the iconic, track-ready AWD monster, the GT-R is the clear choice. If you’re looking for a lighter, more affordable Skyline with plenty of potential, the GTS-t or 25GT Turbo can offer real fun—but they’re not the same under the skin.

For more detailed posts on engine swaps, turbo upgrades, and legal import options, visit Importavehicle.com or follow along at GTRUSAblog.com.

Buy USA Legal R32 and R33 Skylines at Importavehicle.com!
Buy-R.com for Nissan Skyline GT-R and GT-R parts.

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Skyline and Skyline GT-R Generation Chart. From S21 to V37. Including R34

Thanks for posting this Luke.   We have some fun with the following two pictures. There are so many people out there in the world, that think the only Skyline that ever existed was a silver/blue R34 GT-R in Fast and Furious 2. They have no idea that R32/R33/R34 are all a very similar car, all with RB26, all wheel drive, and 4 wheel steering. 

Buy USA Legal R32, R33, and R34 Skylines at Importavehicle.com!
Index and Start Page

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The " I can't afford a GT-R" Starter Pack

Buy USA Legal R32 Skylines at Importavehicle.com!
Buy-R.com for Nissan Skyline GT-R and GT-R parts.

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Nissan Skyline : Nissan Heritage

Nissan USA has started to embrace some of the Nissan Skyline heritage from Japan. Never officially sold in the US, the Nissan Skyline has a long history in Japan. Watch the videos below.

Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R
The Skyline 2000GT (S54) was launched two days before the second Japan Grand Prix in 1964. It was necessary to work round the clock to produce the 100-unit minimum required for GT approval in time for the race. The story of how the 2000GT had put up a brave fight against a Porsche soon spread around the country and the "Skyline legend" was born.

Start of the Skyline Legend 
An epic lap during the 1964 Japan Grand Prix sparked the imagination of motorsports fans across a nation and marked the birth of a legend.

Calsonic Nissan Skyline GT-R 

The GT-R, reintroduced with the R32 (launched August 1989), made its debut at the opening race of the All Japan Championship in March 1990. In the four seasons running up to the last All Japan Championship held in1993, the GT-R achieved a spectacular record, winning all 29 rounds. This No. 12 Calsonic ("CalsonicKansei" at present) Skyline (K. Hoshino/Masahiko Kageyama) was victorious in 1990 and 1993.

Source: Nissan News

http://www.25yearoldcars.com forum for discussion about importing vehicles over 25 years old to the US.

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Nissan Skylines at the Japanese Classic Car Show 2011

Nissan Skylines at the Japanese Classic Car Show 2011

 Several Classic Nissan Skylines at the JCCS Show in Long Beach 2011.  Over 25 years old, vehicles are DOT exempt. Over 21 years old they are EPA exempt.

For more information on importing your own vehicle over 25 years old, head over to http://www.importavehicle.com

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This is the Reason the Nissan Skyline is Illegal in the US

Its heard all the time on the internet, the Nissan Skyline is illegal in the USA. To the layperson, they may hear this and take it as gospel.  It used to be you would hear its illegal because it is right hand drive. You would hear that it is illegal because it was too fast.  Neither of which is true.  Here is the true reason that the Nissan Skyline is illegal in the US, Mercedes Benz North America.

What does Mercedes Benz have to do with a Nissan Skyline?  Picture yourself as Mercedes Benz North America, the official distributor of Mercedes Benz. As the distributor you setup the dealer networks, handle parts and warranty, import the cars, setup pricing, and make money off each Mercedes Benz sold in the US.  Enter the “gray market” cars.  Gray market cars are cars that are imported, but not though official distributors. The gray market cars don’t have a warranty, they are not supported by a dealer network, but here is what they are……CHEAPER. In the consumer driven dollar and cents market place, the cheaper car, is the one the consumer wants.

In December 1984, Time Magazine published this article about gray market luxury cars.  In the article, they mention that the change in the dollars value via the exchange rate, can mean up to a $12,000 savings for a buyer of an imported gray market car, vs a model purchased at a US dealer.  They mention that as many as 50,000 automobiles could have been brought into the US in 1985.

Example: a Mercedes 500 SEL, when bought from an authorized dealer in the U.S., is about $52,000. The same model bought in West Germany and imported by a U.S. buyer goes for some $40,000 after the extra charges.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,923836,00.html#ixzz1H0r4a8CU

There is data on the number of vehicles imported into the US though the gray market, and though official channels, and at one point the gray market was importing more cars than the official US distributors.

The grey market was successful enough that it ate significantly into the business of Mercedes-Benz of North America and their dealers. The corporation launched a successful million-dollar congressional lobbying effort to stop private importation of vehicles not officially intended for the U.S. market. An organisation called AICA (Automotive Importers Compliance Association) was formed by importers in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and elsewhere to counter some of these actions by Mercedes lobbyists, but the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act was passed in 1988, effectively ending private import of grey-market vehicles to the United States. No evidence was presented that grey-import vehicles' safety performance differed significantly from that of US models, and there have been allegations of improper lobbying, but the issue has never been raised in court.

Mercedes Benz North America spent a million dollars lobbying congress to get the importing laws changed, to protect their interests, and money.  Lately I have been mentioning this a lot. It will take a lot of money to get the laws changed. It will take a lot of money, to try and get one seized Nissan Skyline back.

Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988.


So, if you have at least a  million dollars of lobbying power, there is a chance you might be able to get the laws changed. However, if you start to get close, there is a good chance you will be fighting Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, and maybe a few others. It is not in their best business interests, to allow a relaxation of vehicle import laws. They have their business interests in mind.
This is not about DOT, this is not about EPA, this is about money. If you have any doubt, just look back at the 1980’s vehicle import market.
Picture : SOUSA via NICO

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Father of the Nissan Skyline Dies at 81

If you are reading this blog, you are probably familiar with the Nissan Skyline. You may not know all the history of the car, you may not know it as any more than the car on the video game. Dr. Sakurai was known as the Father of the Skyline in Japan. Behind every car, there is a person or people, a driving force that contributes to its existence. Below is a posting from the GT-R.co.uk forum.

Dr Shinichiro SAKURAI - known as "Skyline no Chichi" ( 'Father Of The Skyline' ) in Japan - passed away aged 81 years. Cause of death was given as heart failure.

Dr SAKURAI joined what became the Prince Motor Co. ( itself formed from the ashes of the Nakajima and Tachikawa aircraft companies, through Fuji Sangyo and Fuji Precision Machine ) in 1952, and was the chief project manager on the ALSID-1 model, the first Skyline.

Dr SAKURAI was deeply involved with race related activities at Prince, especially in record breaking and sports car racing, and headed the team which gained notoriety for taking on - and hounding - a Porsche 904 GTS with a gaggle of hot-rodded S54 Skylines in the 1964 Japan GP. Even though the 'fox' got away that time, SAKURAI resolved to build cars that could take it on again, and win.

When Prince was forcibly merged with Nissan in 1966, SAKURAI's team at Murayama kept some degree of autonomy and continued with their race-related activities. The first truly new Skyline model to be launched after the merger with Nissan was the C10 'Hakosuka', with Dr SAKURAI and his team making sure that a special homologation model - the PGC10 'Skyline GT-R', its S20 twin cam engine derived from the DNA of the Prince GR8 race unit - was produced, and went racing. The 'Skyline GT-R' legend had been born.....

Working under Dr SAKURAI at that time were many of the people who would go on to work on the later generations of GT-R. One of these was a young Shurei ITOH, chassis designer on the C10 Skyline and later Project Chief on the R32 Skyline GT-R. Kozo WATANABE - Chief Designer on the R33 GT-R project - was another SAKURAI protege.

Dr SAKURAI went on to become head of Nissan's offshoot AUTECH, and was inducted into the Japanese Auto Industry Hall of Fame several years ago. He was always happy to give interviews, and appeared in many Japanese publications over the years. However he never overshadowed his team members, and was held in high regard by many who worked with him - especially his engineers and race drivers. He will be missed.

Source: GTR.CO.UK and Japanese Nostalgic Car

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Nissan Postage Stamps

 

Wired posted a story about Nissan postage stamps that are being sold in Japan between February 1st and August 31. If you are into Nissans and in Japan, you can pick some up.

Both sets are 80-yen stamps, 10 to a sheet. They’re sold by the sheet only and will cost you 1,200 yen per. You’ve gotta get ‘em in person. Mail order? Sorry, “Not available,” postal officials say.

Read More http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/01/nissan-postage-stamps/#ixzz0dmHECcIY

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1972 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT 4 Door

JDM Legends imported this 1972 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT 4 Door for a customer. This car is legal to import and drive in the US because, vehicles over 25 years old are DOT exempt, and 21 years old are EPA exempt.  Not my favorite old school shape. The fender mirrors are typical, and the green paint although unique, is not for me. 

With the wheels it came over on.

 

8 track player. You know you want it.

Looks much better with the Panasport C8’s.

Check out some more of the cars that they are working on at JDM Legends.

Source : JDM Legends

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Infiniti G37 coupe engine specifications

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/infiniti-releases-new-pics-and-complete-specs-on-g37/

Leading the enhancements to the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe is the first-ever application of the new 3.7-litre V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift).

Estimated at 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the new "VQ37VHR" contains approximately 35 percent new and unique parts from the new VQ35HR engine introduced in the 2007 G35 Sedan just last year. Both the Coupe's VQ37VHR and the Sedan's VQ35HR engines are based on the award-winning VQ engine series, named one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for 13 consecutive years.

Along with utilising a larger displacement than the previous 3.5-litre powerplant, the G37 Coupe's new VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. The VVEL system is also expected to improve emissions and fuel efficiency. The VVEL intake camshafts, featuring continuously variable lift control teamed with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), allow for a 7,500 rpm redline.

The engine also features increased cylinder block height (from the previous 3.5-litre design), ladder frame construction for greater rigidity, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, an electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, Iridium spark plugs and a symmetric twin air intake system.

A new, specially tuned dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and low muffler exhaust backpressure to help improve engine breathing. Both intake and exhaust enhance driving pleasure with their authentic performance notes.

Rated at an estimated 330 horsepower, the new engine is not only considerably more powerful than the previous generation G Coupe (rated at 275 hp with 5AT, 293 hp with 6MT), but is expected to offer increased fuel mileage and reduced emissions levels. Overall vehicle fuel economy improvements are estimated to be nearly one mpg better than the G35 Sedan and nearly two mpg better than the previous generation G35 Coupe (actual EPA mileage estimates and emission information to be announced at a later date).

New GT-R , 3.7 liter motor ? We have heard 3.7 for a while. There are also the Nismo 3.8 liter versions of the 350 Z running around in Japan. No replacement for displacement.

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Hubert driving Chris's RB25 powered S14 at Irwindale

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R32 in the Canyons

Old video of Sports car meet. Me driving, Victor with the Mavica camera.You know the one, the floppy drive.

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