The Fastest Nissan Skyline Models, Ranked by Top Speed

Throughout the sports car industry, very few nameplates have as much of a legacy as the Skyline does, a name that has been used on so many different Nissan sports cars that transformed the Japanese Domestic Market into the cultural movement it was, throughout the late 20th century. Introduced in 1969 with the first-ever Skyline GT-R unveiled in Tokyo, Japan; the nameplate is rightfully world-renowned for branding some of the most iconic sports cars in history. Its name left an indelible mark on the automotive legacy that Nissan has worked so hard on building over decades.

From the original GT-R to the R32 to the R34 generations, Nissan continued to masterfully develop the Skyline models, allowing them to consistently compete at the top of both the JDM scene and the worldwide sports car scene. The Skyline, in its various iterations, has delivered performance and shown a design that transcends simplicity.

With the base generation Skyline GT-Rs, Nissan took their cars and upgraded/tuned them to maximize their performance potential with Nismo, the motorsport division of Nissan. Nismo has worked on these cars over the years, transforming them into what are essentially distinct, even more track-oriented performance models. With that, here are the fastest Nissan Skyline models, ranked by their top speed.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Nissan, Nismo, and other authoritative sources, including EVO, fastest laps, and automobile catalog. The entries are ranked from slowest to fastest based on their top speed, avoiding many models with the same top speed as the entries. Note that the R35 has been left out since it does not make use of the Skyline name.

10 1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R

Top Speed: 124 MPH

Despite Skylines dating all the way back to 1957 with the first generation, it wasn’t until 1969 that Nissan themselves started to manufacture the car. After the first generation under Nissan was a big success, they built on what was the C10 named model and developed the C110 generation. With less than 200 examples produced, the Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R’s production had to be massively limited due to emission regulations at the time.

1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Automobile Catalog)

Featuring Nissan’s six-cylinder S20 engine, the 2000 GT-R was able to produce a decent amount of power for its time. Putting out 157 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque, the 2000 GT-R doesn’t quite match the power of the later generations. Managing a solid top speed of 124 MPH, the ’73 2000 GT-R holds a special place in the Skyline legacy.

Pros

• A great blend of aggressiveness and elegance on the exterior.
• A very sought-after Skyline GT-R model.

Cons

• The top speed doesn’t match the later Skyline models, expectedly.
• The low torque makes it necessary to keep the engine operating high in the rpm range to extract adequate performance.

9 1994 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25 Type-S

Top Speed: 144 MPH

One of the generations that received a pretty sizable number of different model types was the ninth-generation Skyline, the R33. Building on the big redesign of the Skyline with the previous R32 model, the R33 went for a more aggressive look combined with the smooth lines of the models before. As well as the more famous GT-R models, Nissan also produced the GTS models, with the GTS25 Type-S being one of the best R33 models.

1994 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25 Type-S Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from various sources)

The main difference between the GTS and GT-R models is the GTS is equipped with rear-wheel-drive, and the GT-R has all-wheel-drive. This meant that the GTS behaved and performed quite differently, being a favorite for drifters in comparison to the GT-R. Powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six, the R33 GTS25 Type-S manages to produce 197 horsepower, reaching a top speed of 144 miles per hour. Although not quite as fast as its GT-R counterparts, this car should still provide a solid amount of speed along with its joyful, tail-happy driving nature.

Pros

• The rear-wheel-drive system allows for more slip on the rear, making it better for drifting.
• The R33 design style is timeless.

Cons

• Not as responsive as the all-wheel-drive GT-R version.

8 1991 Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-T Type-M

Top Speed: 145 MPH

Built off of the Nissan Skyline that changed the JDM for years to come, the ’91 R32 GTS-T Type-M was an excellent alternative to the R32 GT-R model for very similar reasons to the R33 models. While the GTS-T Type-M and the GT-R weren’t too dissimilar at first, as the Type-M trim had a body kit similar to the GT-R, the two cars behaved rather differently. This car set the standard for future GT-R models and allowed for the R32 to reach a wider demographic, who didn’t fancy the all-wheel-drive aggressiveness of the GT-R.

1991 Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-T Type-M Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Automobile Catalog and Nissan Motor Corporation)

Fitted with a rear-wheel-drive, the R32 GTS-T Type-M had noticeably less grip than the GT-R. The GTS-T versions also had a single turbo whereas the GT-R had twin turbos, but that didn’t have a massive impact on the top speed capabilities of the GTS-T Type-M. Managing a top speed of 145 MPH, the car only fell short by 11 MPH to the GT-R, even if it took a little longer to get there.

Pros

• Manages to hold its own against the more powerful R32 GT-R model.
• Sleek, calmer body style than other Skyline models.

Cons

• Rear-wheel drive makes the car less capable through the corners.

7 1995 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T Type-M

Top Speed: 155 MPH

By 1995, the ninth-gen R33 Skyline was in full swing, now being the main Skyline in production. As well as the GTS25, Nissan also produced the GTS25-T, a car with a slightly different purpose than the regular GTS25. Instead of outright performance, the GTS25-T Type-M models focused more on interior comfort and smooth drivability, making it arguably the best Nissan Skyline daily driver on the market at the time of its release.

1995 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T Type-M Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Fastestlaps and Ultimate Specs)

Despite putting more focus on comfort, the GTS25-T Type-M’s performance was nothing to push aside and still isn’t today. The GTS models had three different engines, with the performance-tweaked Type-M version of the GTS25-T receiving the largest RB25DETT inline-six, making 247 horsepower and 216 pound-feet of torque. It hits 155 MPH, a number which is still competitive today with many sports cars limited to the same speed.

Pros

• A great combination of comfort and performance.
• Makes for a better daily driver than other entries on this list.
• It includes the largest RB25DETT engine available at the time.

Cons

• Not as track-capable as other entries on this list.

6 1995 Nissan R33 Skyline GT-R V-Spec

Top Speed: 155 MPH

With the famed GT-R version of the R33 Skyline, the power and overall capabilities of the car were noticeably turned up, but didn’t have an effect on the overall top speed the car managed to reach. Compared to the GTS line, the GT-R V-Spec featured a state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system, stiffer suspension, and an active differential. The base GT-Rs were similar in value to the V-spec variants, but the upgrades had a pretty significant impact on the driving experience.

1995 Nissan R33 Skyline GT-R V-Spec Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car and Driver and Autoexpress)

Under the hood of the R33 Skyline GT-R V-Spec is the RB26DETT inline-six engine, supplying the car with 276 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, but the actual horsepower figure was in excess of 300. Despite having the same overall top speed as the GTS25-T Type-M, the rate at which the GT-R V-Spec manages to climb through the five gears in comparison puts the GT-R V-Spec variant in a class of its own with the R33 world.

Pros

• The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent handling.
• It uses the famous RB26SETT engine, providing a great deal of horsepower.

Cons

• Gearbox synchromeshes have been known to fail in R33 GT-R models.

5 1989 Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R

Top Speed: 156 MPH

Before the R33 Skylines were introduced, the groundbreaking base R32 model or the eighth-generation Skyline was all the rage on the JDM scene for a few different reasons. As well as the car’s performance capabilities, the R32 Skyline is still praised for being so ahead of its time, featuring cutting-edge technology throughout.

1989 Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from EVO)

One of the prominent features of the R32 GT-R that placed it ahead of the curve was the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system. This system has since evolved into the system that’s featured in the latest R35 GT-Rs. This car is also powered by the RB26DETT inline-six engine, allowing the R32 to sneak ahead of the R33 GT-R, with a top speed of 156 MPH.

Pros

• The model laid the groundwork for all future Skyline models.
• An iconic sleek, sporty design style.
• A solid top speed for a JDM sports car of its time.

Cons

• The stock turbo has been known to fail.

4 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec II NUR

Top Speed: 157 MPH

As with the prior generations of Skylines, the R34 is also no stranger to different tunes and variations. One of the most special versions of the R34 GT-R is the ’02 V-Spec II NUR, as it’s the last production model of this iconic JDM car. Named after the Nürburgring circuit where the car was developed, Nissan made sure to give the R34 a proper sendoff.

2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec II NUR Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from fastestlaps.com)

Aside from the mechanical upgrades such as the stiffer suspension, the main upgrade for the V-Spec II NUR was the updated RB26DETT N1 engine, which fine-tuned the engine to fix the areas where the base engine fell short. This included an updated crankshaft and GT25 turbochargers. The last R34 GT-R improved on just about every element of the overall performance of the base model, including its top speed, which was now 157 MPH.

Pros

• Only improves on the legendary R34 Skyline, giving it a proper sendoff.
• The updated crankshaft allows for improved handling.

Cons

• Not a huge difference from the R34 GT-R.

3 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec

Top Speed: 165 MPH

Although it’s entirely up to your preference as to which Skyline model you deem the most iconic, it’s safe to say that the Skyline that has had the biggest impact on the automotive industry is the tenth-generation model, the R34. Without a doubt, one of the most distinct, recognizable cars among enthusiasts, the R34 Skyline doesn’t need to do much to stand out in a crowd. The GT-R embodies everything that was special about the golden age of JDM cars.

1998 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from fastestlaps.com and Evo.co.uk)

A car built completely for the love of driving, the R34 GT-R still receives praise for its excellent balance and smooth power output provided by the RB26DETT 2.6-liter inline-six used in so many prior models as well. The R34 GT-R manages to reach a claimed top speed of 165 MPH, the best of any Skyline beforehand. Along with a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, the R34 Skyline GT-R managed to compete with Europe’s very best sports cars of its time.

Pros

• One of the most iconic cars of all time.
• The balance of the car was second to none in the ’90s JDM scene.
• A great deal of power to match the handling.

Cons

• The original MSRP in
  1999 was roughly $52,000
  . Being well sought-after, its price has appreciated significantly since then.

2 1997 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R Nismo 400R

Top Speed: 186 MPH

The ultimate R33 Skyline came in 1997, with the release of the GT-R Nismo 400R. Inspired by the Skyline GT-R LM that raced at Le Mans in 1995 and 1996, Nismo expectedly created a beast out of the R33, becoming one of the fastest Skylines of all time. It’s also one of the rarest Skylines in history, with only 44 examples ever produced.

1997 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R Nismo 400R Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Nismo and fastestlaps.com)

Instead of the RB26DETT engine found in the majority of Skyline models, the R33 Nismo 400R features the Le Mans spec RB-X GT2 crafted by Reinik, the motorsport department of Nissan’s powertrain division. Managing to produce a staggering 395 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque, the car is able to reach a top speed of 186 MPH, making it competitive even in today’s sports car market.

Pros

• An impressive top speed that puts it at the top of the R33 generation.
• It features a Le Mans-spec engine, providing an excellent amount of power.
• One of the most aggressive yet stunning Skylines you can find, with it also being very rare.

Cons

• The aggressive power delivery once the twin-turbo starts spooling up makes it somewhat impractical as a road car or everyday driver.

1 2005 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R Nismo Z-Tune

Top Speed: 200+ MPH

Three years after the R34 Skyline was discontinued, the legend of the Skyline didn’t stop there. Launched in 2005, in true Nismo fashion, the Japanese outfit took the base model R34 and turned it into even more of a monster. As well as the engine itself, the R34 Nismo Z-Tune’s focus was on being a track weapon, with the car being fitted with lightweight aerodynamic parts to trim weight and increase engine cooling at high speeds.

2005 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R Nismo Z-Tune Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Nismo)

As for the engine, the Z-Tune was fitted with a modified RB26DETT “Z2” 2.8-liter engine in comparison to the 2.6-liter on the majority of other R34 Skylines. By modifying the engine, Nismo was able to extract just shy of 500 horsepower with 493 HP and 398 pound-feet of torque. Due to this, the R34 GT-R Nismo V-Spec not only had brilliant handling capabilities, but it also had the potential to crack 200 MPH, another huge jump in comparison to the base model.

Pros

• The highest top speed of any Skyline model.
• It features an improved engine which is based on the already-magnificent RB26DETT motor.
• Close to 500 horsepower under the hood.

Cons

• Like the 400R, the performance-focused Z-tune is quite a handful as an everyday driver.