Nissan GT-R R35 or Ford Mustang GT S550? Both reach the 1,000 hp class when fully built. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| Nissan GT-R R35 | Ford Mustang GT S550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2007–2025 (US from 2009) | 2015–2023 |
| Engine | 3.8 twin-turbo V6 VR38DETT | 5.0 Coyote V8 (Gen 2 / Gen 3) |
| Stock power | 480–565 hp (Nismo 600 hp) (US) | 460 hp / 420 lb-ft (US, 2018–21) |
Power by stage
| Nissan GT-R R35 | Ford Mustang GT S550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 480–600 hp | 460 hp |
| Stage 1 | 590–620 hp | ≈479 hp |
| Stage 2 | 610–740 hp | ≈490–510 hp |
| Stage 3 | 700–880 hp | 623–825 hp |
| Stage 4 | 1,000–1,500+ whp | 1,000+ hp |
Careful: one car's figures are at the wheels (whp) and the other's at the engine (hp), so they aren't directly comparable. Convert with the crank to wheel calculator.
Typical parts cost
| Nissan GT-R R35 | Ford Mustang GT S550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Litchfield Stage 1 £1,613.72 (remap only £720); Cobb Accessport with gearbox flashing $1,460; plug-in modules €549–€899 (RaceChip, DTE). | Lund custom tune from $325 (tuner device extra); Ford Performance calibration with intake and throttle body $1,535. |
| Stage 2 | Litchfield Stage 2–4 £2,615.10–£3,501.60; ETS Y-pipe $895–$2,795; AMS intercooler $1,984.95; ID1300 injectors $1,559.25; AMS Alpha 7 package $13,933.25–$19,709.75. | BBK long-tube headers $850. |
| Stage 3 | Litchfield Stage 4.5 £10,382.70 or Stage 5 £16,647.40; turbos alone £3,354–£5,994 (Litchfield); ETS turbo kit $12,450–$15,480; Dodson SuperStock 7 clutch kit £1,579.02. | supercharger kits $6,950–$9,596 (Ford Performance, Whipple, ProCharger, Roush, Edelbrock); Tremec Magnum XL swap $6,200. |
List prices from the guides, before shipping, import tax and fitting. "—" means that guide has no cost line for the stage.
Where each one ends up
At Stage 4 the Nissan GT-R R35 reaches 1,000–1,500+ whp and the Ford Mustang GT S550 1,000+ hp.