Some months ago we were lucky to shoot the 2010 Nissan GT-R. On the way to a pre-roasted Angeles Crest Highway to the now infamous flip-flop door photoshoot, Yours truly began to explain our intrepid photographer Drew Phillips exactly how and newer Nissan is faster than a speeding Gallardo more stronger than an F430 and able to jump high canyon roads without breaking a sweat. And so on. When I finally shut up, Drew asked, "Would you take a GT-R in a GT500?"

In practice, the Nissan turn the city into the automatic mode, while the Shelby has a seat farther back (snore, on both counts). Godzilla represents the future, while the GT500 is much better (perhaps idealized?) The version of the past. It has a sophisticated, hand-built, twin-turbo super-computer, all aluminum V6 connected to a paddle-shifted dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels. The second is equipped with a compressor bolted to an old iron engine driving the rear wheels trucks through three pedals and six-speed manual. The Nissan has a sophisticated suspension system, there may be a million times a nanosecond (or what), and Shelby has a solid rear axle. But the two cars are underrated pack more power than advertised. And while the 2010 Shelby GT500 is very quick and very skilful, 2010 Nissan GTR is ridiculously fast and ridiculously condition. About twice as expensive, too.

Nissan GT-R

Ford Mustang GT500