Tale of the tape
The matchup
This matchup pits the purpose-built drag missile, Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, against the renowned Godzilla, Nissan GT-R Nismo. The Demon is designed for straight-line speed and dominance, while the GT-R brings all-wheel drive and launch control to the table. Both are iconic in their own right, but their approaches to performance are worlds apart.
Off the line
The Demon’s rear-wheel drive and massive torque delivery should give it a solid holeshot, especially with a 0-100 km/h time of just 1.9 seconds. In contrast, the GT-R Nismo's all-wheel drive and launch control can provide a strong initial launch, but it still lags behind in raw power. The Demon is likely to bolt ahead right off the line.
The back half
With a power-to-weight advantage, the Demon is expected to pull away significantly on the back half of the strip. Its gearing is tailored for maximum acceleration, while the GT-R’s 441 kW may struggle to keep pace as speeds climb. The quarter mile is where the Demon’s prowess truly shines, potentially widening the gap even further.
The x-factor
Driver skill and track conditions could play crucial roles in this race. The Demon’s raw power can be a handful, while the GT-R’s technology might offer some consistency. Weather conditions and track prep will also influence traction and performance, adding an element of unpredictability.
Check out the embedded video to see how this showdown unfolds on the strip.
Questions from the fence line
Which is faster in a drag race?
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is faster on paper with an 8.9 second quarter mile compared to the Nissan GT-R Nismo's 10.8 seconds.
What is the horsepower difference between the two cars?
The Dodge Demon has 757 kW while the Nissan GT-R Nismo has 441 kW, giving the Demon a significant power advantage.
How do their 0-100 km/h times compare?
The Demon accelerates to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds, whereas the GT-R Nismo takes 2.7 seconds.