Toyota Supra vs Nissan Skyline GT-R: Which to Buy?

The Toyota Supra and Nissan Skyline GT-R are two of the most famous Japanese performance cars, and both have risen sharply in value. If you were buying one today, which would make more sense? The answer depends less on the badge than on condition, originality and rarity. This guide compares them and explains how to find a good one at Japanese auction.

At a glance

• Supra A80 (1993 to 2002): twin turbo 2JZ-GTE straight six, rear wheel drive, huge worldwide demand.
• Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34): twin turbo RB26DETT with ATTESA four wheel drive. The R34 is the most sought after.
• Both have already had much of their big price rise. Values can fall as well as rise.
• Original cars with documented history are the safer starting point than modified ones.
• Our picks: an original Supra RZ manual, or a well kept R33 GT-R V Spec, if the price makes sense.

The two cars compared

	Toyota Supra A80	Nissan Skyline GT-R
Years	1993 to 2002	R32 from 1989, then R33 and R34
Engine	3.0 litre twin turbo 2JZ-GTE straight six	Twin turbo RB26DETT
Drive	Rear wheel drive	ATTESA four wheel drive
Most wanted	Original twin turbo RZ with six speed manual	R34 V Spec, V Spec II and Nür
Appeal	Global recognition, strong tuning heritage	Motorsport history, technology, rarity
Entry point	Naturally aspirated and automatic cars cost less	R32 and R33 are cheaper than the R34

Toyota Supra A80

The fourth generation Supra is one of the most recognisable Japanese performance cars ever. Its 3.0 litre straight six, especially the twin turbo 2JZ-GTE, built a reputation for strength and tuning potential. The proportions, the rear wheel drive layout and its place in popular culture add to the appeal.

Collectors mostly want original twin turbo RZ cars with the six speed manual. Late production cars, rare factory colours and very low mileage examples can command significant premiums. Naturally aspirated and automatic Supras are a cheaper way in, but they sit in a different part of the market. Demand is global, particularly in Britain, Europe, Australia and the US.

Nissan Skyline GT-R

Where the Supra is a powerful rear wheel drive grand tourer, the GT-R was built around traction, technology and motorsport.

• R32: launched in 1989 with the twin turbo RB26DETT and ATTESA four wheel drive. It has motorsport history and a lower entry price than the R34.
• R33: more refined, with more aerodynamic development. It has been the overlooked generation, which makes good ones increasingly interesting.
• R34: perhaps the most recognisable Japanese performance car of its era. V Spec, V Spec II and rare Nür editions get the most attention.

Production rarity, international demand and a limited supply of original cars have made the R34 a serious collector car.

Which has risen more?

Both have risen substantially over the longer term, but their markets behave differently. The R34 GT-R has reached extraordinary prices, especially for low mileage, original and limited production cars, and its best versions sit well above a typical Supra.

High prices do not guarantee further rises. Hagerty's October 2026 valuation data shows values for standard R34 GT-R examples have recently fallen, which is a reminder that even established Japanese collector cars move with the market.

The Supra tells a similar story. Hagerty included the A80 Supra in its 2026 Bull Market List, reporting a 41.8% increase in its UK reference value over five years, while noting prices have been fairly steady since their 2023 peak. Both cars have probably had much of the dramatic rise that first drew investors. From here, finding the right individual car may matter more than owning the right model.

Originality counts for more

For years these cars were celebrated for how far they could be modified. The 2JZ became a byword for huge power, and the GT-R had a strong tuning following. Today collectors are paying more attention to originality: factory bodywork, original interiors, correct engines, documented mileage and real service history.

That does not make modified cars unwanted, and professionally built examples can sell well. But if long term collectability is your priority, an original car with documented history is usually the safer starting point.

Why buy at Japanese auction

Japan is still one of the main places to find original Supras and GT-Rs. Cars vary a lot in condition, specification and history, so careful selection matters. On Autoselecta you can see auction listings with translated auction sheets, and you can add an Inspector Report Package (£50, credited towards your payment if you buy through us). An inspector in Japan looks at the car before you bid and takes up to 50 extra photos. It is subject to auction access and is not a full mechanical inspection, but it is useful on a valuable car.

Buying at auction also avoids the retail margin that may be built into a collector car someone has already imported. A lower auction price is not automatically a saving, though. The Japanese Car Import Cost Calculator estimates shipping, auction charges, VAT and other costs before you bid. Our guides to the Toyota Supra and Nissan Skyline GT-R go deeper on each car.

Which would we buy?

If rarity and outright desirability are your priorities, the R34 has the edge, particularly in its most sought after specifications. The entry cost is already high, though, and buying at the wrong price leaves little room for any future gain.

The Supra A80 offers something different. Its global appeal, famous engine and instantly recognisable shape should keep drawing enthusiasts, especially to original twin turbo manual cars. For something enjoyable without top collector prices, the R32 and R33 GT-R deserve serious thought.

Our preference would be an exceptional original Supra RZ manual or a well preserved R33 GT-R V Spec, as long as the price makes sense. These are cars to own for the engineering, the driving and their place in motoring history. Any rise in value is a possible bonus, not a certainty.

Find your Supra or GT-R through Autoselecta

• Search Nissan Skyline GT-R auctions in Japan
• Search Toyota Supra auctions in Japan
• Calculate your total landed cost

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