R8 vs 997.Turbo vs GT-R

[The_Edge]

Interesting split on the Poll...

Half of people behind the 911, and the remainder split 50/50 between GT-R and the R8.

[mattf93]

The_Edge said:

Interesting split on the Poll...

Half of people behind the 911, and the remainder split 50/50 between GT-R and the R8.

Shocked people have voted for the GT-R with a 911 Turbo in the post. Just doesn't add up in my eyes, maybe I'm biased by my opinion of the GTR and the fact most get modified etc.
If you want pace Turbo,
If you want sound R8.

I am sure you will make the best decision for what you want, as ultimately you know what feels right. 911 Turbo will make an r8 an embarrassment in a straight line though.

[ZX10R NIN]

mattf93 said:

Shocked people have voted for the GT-R with a 911 Turbo in the post. Just doesn't add up in my eyes, maybe I'm biased by my opinion of the GTR and the fact most get modified etc.
If you want pace Turbo,
If you want sound R8.

I am sure you will make the best decision for what you want, as ultimately you know what feels right. 911 Turbo will make an r8 an embarrassment in a straight line though.

Why biased? Don't you think people modify there 911 Turbos?

[mattf93]

ZX10R NIN said:

Why biased? Don't you think people modify there 911 Turbos?

I just always disliked the GTR, but it is a proper bang for your buck car. I guess you could say Im a snob/badge snob.

And I think proportionately far less people modify 911 Turbos (997 onward) at anything beyond a map or/and exhaust system. Than those that modify GTRs where it seems that most I have seen are stage2/3 or onwards.

Each to their own though I just would have a GTR over a 911 turbo. But if it was a toss up between a 911 turbo or a v10 r8 I would personally pick the r8 (I know this post is against the v8 r8 and 997.1 turbo though!

[Pesty]

mattf93 said:

Shocked people have voted for the GT-R with a 911 Turbo in the post. Just doesn't add up in my eyes, maybe I'm biased by my opinion of the GTR and the fact most get modified etc.
If you want pace Turbo,
If you want sound R8.

I am sure you will make the best decision for what you want, as ultimately you know what feels right. 911 Turbo will make an r8 an embarrassment in a straight line though.

Why? They get universal praise in road tests. Ok looks are subjective I think they look great others don't. I'd wager a lot don't like it just because of the badge.

I've seen them smashing around all day on air field days pretty much obliterating everything.

It's a viable alternative to a 997 turbo if you can look past the badge.

991 is a different matter but they are still mega money.

I'd still go r8

Edit just read your last reply. To dismiss something because of a badge is tragic. Very sad imo not something a car fan should come out with.
What does it matter who pays the engineers and designers. It's the product that matters. The product in this case is world class.

Edited by Pesty on Sunday 26th April 01:05

[mattf93]

Pesty said:

Why? They get universal praise in road tests. Ok looks are subjective I think they look great others don't. I'd wager a lot don't like it just because of the badge.

I've seen them smashing around all day on air field days pretty much obliterating everything.

It's a viable alternative to a 997 turbo if you can look past the badge.

991 is a different matter but they are still mega money.

I'd still go r8

Edit just read your last reply. To dismiss something because of a badge is tragic. Very sad imo not something a car fan should come out with.
What does it matter who pays the engineers and designers. It's the product that matters. The product in this case is world class.

Im not dismissing it at all, I understand what it represents, and if I had say 40 K to buy a performance car it would definitely be in there, along with r8, cayman s (or r if lucky). I would have to drive them all to see what I want.
to me the biggest disappointment for me is the noise they make, it just isn't as good as r8/flat 6 (non turbo) but I guess that is subjective.

Personally It would depend what was available in budget, but I would happily trade a bit of power for better handling/ nicer interior (and a nicer badge at the end of the day you're always driving a nissan(albeit a bespoke hand built engined one), not an Aston, Porsche, or Audi R/RS car)). Hence why my money would go R8. I can't help that I'm a badge snob though (on that note I would have a golf R over an S3 though).

991 turbo/turbo s is truly in super car territory and opens it up to serious question with the used supercar market. However those that can afford a 991 turbo generally have another toy for the weekend, 4x4 etc. (Well those that I know of that have them seem to have a small performance garages worth of stock on their drives)

Sorry for babbling on.

Edited by mattf93 on Sunday 26th April 10:44

[Schermerhorn]

Buy an M5 or M6 with the V10 engine.

It'll destroy the R8 and keep pace with the GTR and 911 Turbo over 100mph.

Dont forget that the R8 has the same TFSI V8 as the B7 RS4 so expect the same carbon choking issues as the saloon suffers from. 420bhp is also very optimistic as well. In reality its more like 390bhp.

[minerva]

I love these conundrums. I was looking at an R8, a GTR and a 997C2S back in 2010. The porsche was £30k and the others £35-40k. Now, the other are still a broadly similar price and the Porsche down to £20k.... So depreciation, if it bothers you, may be better with the Audi or Nissan.

The audi isn't as fast as the others, but the Nissan, (I drove a standard one and a moddified one - not sure how much power it had) was off the scale. It was as quick as my superbike I had a few years ago. How long before that got a touch boring, though. It would be exhilarating for a while but then I would worry that the sense of occasion would diminish.

The Audi is stunning and will maybe raise a smile for longer? It is also a more analogue drive, especially with a mnpanual gearbox.

What a lovely choice to have to make!

[ZX10R NIN]

mattf93 said:

Im not dismissing it at all, I understand what it represents, and if I had say 40 K to buy a performance car it would definitely be in there, along with r8, cayman s (or r if lucky). I would have to drive them all to see what I want.
to me the biggest disappointment for me is the noise they make, it just isn't as good as r8/flat 6 (non turbo) but I guess that is subjective.

Personally It would depend what was available in budget, but I would happily trade a bit of power for better handling/ nicer interior. Hence why my money would go R8. I can't help I'm a badge snob (on that note I would have a golf R over an S3 though).

991 turbo/turbo s is truly in super car territory and opens it up to serious question with the used supermarket. However those that can afford a 991 turbo generally have another toy for the weekend, 4x4 etc. (Well those that I know of that have them seem to have a small performance garages worth of stock on their drives)

Sorry for babbling on.

Don't apologise for being a badge snob at least you're honest about it, I believe the reason more GT-R's are played with is simple economics, the money saved on initial purchase price goes on upgrades & when you're talking about a difference of 40k on a 15 plate GTR vs 911 Turbo that's a lot of cash for cars that can only be split by tenths around race tracks & in accelertion stopping etc, both are supercars.

In the OP's case it's a bit easier first he needs to drive them & work out what suits him & his daily driving.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

In terms of engine note you have to put an Akrapovic on as it seems to be the only system I've heard so far that gives a nice V6 engine note.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

It's a very tough choice to make they are in the same market place but very different in character, if it had to be one of these three then I'd pick this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

But if I could choose any coupe on the market it would be this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Still miss mine, epic exhaust note gorgeous to look at reliable proper Four Seater with a decent boot(maybe that's why I like the Nissan) a great all rounder IMO.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 26th April 08:26

[The_Edge]

Interesting split on the Poll...

Half of people behind the 911, and the remainder split 50/50 between GT-R and the R8.

[kambites]

The_Edge said:

Interesting split on the Poll...

Half of people behind the 911, and the remainder split 50/50 between GT-R and the R8.

Well this is Porscheheads, after all.

[egor110]

Surely the o/p has to decided what he wants to actually buy:

quickest car , best looking car, badge prestige ?

for me best looking would rule out the gtr, badge would go to porsche just because it's a porsche however if i was in the running for one of these 3 it would probably be the gtr as it just seems to do everything so well.

[Diderot]

Turbo for me please. Closely followed by the R8.

[mattf93]

ZX10R NIN said:

Don't apologise for being a badge snob at least you're honest about it, I believe the reason more GT-R's are played with is simple economics, the money saved on initial purchase price goes on upgrades & when you're talking about a difference of 40k on a 15 plate GTR vs 911 Turbo that's a lot of cash for cars that can only be split by tenths around race tracks & in accelertion stopping etc, both are supercars.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...


But if I could choose any coupe on the market it would be this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Still miss mine, epic exhaust note gorgeous to look at reliable proper Four Seater with a decent boot(maybe that's why I like the Nissan) a great all rounder IMO.

Interesting points, that R8 is lovely and I am a Sucker for cream seats (I always think it adds more class to most cabins, although alcantara can sometimes do this also).
LOL at the porshce - purely at the point it has that phone thing in the car. Not sure about peoples love for that outdated tiptronic box though? :/ think as prospective buyer that would put me off a bit, think I would rather have a manual of 997.1 gen.

The GT-R has to be applauded for its tuneablity, and ridiculous pace, but I don't know if it would ever bore you after a while, that its ridiculous A to B. But lacks a sense of occasion next to say an R8 or a Maserati Granturismo, although I know the GT-R is appreciably quicker I would pick one of the other three in a heartbeat over it. (Maser/R8/Turbo)

Why? NOISE mainly, but the Audi R8 still looks stunning, and much better looking than an GT-R imo, even (8? ) years on to it being introduced it still looks sensational.

The Maserati is a gorgeous car, and one of the best sounding v8s you can buy, a friend has a 64 reg MC Stradale 2 + 2 as he does some trips from midlands to scotland and doesnt like to always take his company car eco box (it bores him to tears). He says its hands down the best car he has ever bought, its more than quick enough for him and you can genuinely seat 4 adults in it (Im 6ft1 and fit in the back fairly comfortably). I think the maser is one of the most overlooked cars, but those that know - know! As a daily driver/and/or weekend car its a fantastic car - be selective with a gearbox though if you do a lot of town driving the auto is better, but if you want the proper drives box the MC shift would be the only way.

I appreciate all the options I just find from a badge, visual and interior prospective alone I would choose the 911/R8/Maser over it, I don't think it feels special enough for the price - that said, it is a geek fest in that cockpit which is a thing that is love/hate with most!

I must be sending the OP to sleep by now! haha

[Wills2]

The GTR is a fabulous car probably the best sounding turbo motor around, I'm amazed they can get it to sound so good when others struggle including Porsche when they strap on some turbos.

With a x pipe they sound even better, it would be the rawest of the bunch as well and look very menacing on the roads.

[milner993]

The R8 is a lovely car but I doubt it will feel as special when you have to explain what it is to someone who doesn't know, an expensive Audi.
The Turbo looks great and does everything well.
The GTR same as the Porsche just more of an animal.

I voted GTR

[CGJJ]

I think a lot of people will vote GTR until it is 45K of their own money.
At that point other factors rather than outright drivability come into play like what your missus will feel like sitting in it,
Whether you'll feel like you've arrived when you drive it through San Tropez and what your non-petrol head friends and colleagues think.

I am sure I'll get flamed for this post but when you've got that much money tied up in something the image is important.

[RWD cossie wil]

I currently own a 620+Bhp 996 turbo, & have driven a good mates R8 V10 quite a few times....

IMHO, if you want an R8, it has to be the V10 model as its light years ahead of the V8. The V8 is dog slow compared to the other options, the V10 puts it right back in the game, plus you get a fabulous noise!

Splitting the 997 & GTR seems hard at first, but the turbo is a pure sports car, small, low to the ground with a low centre of gravity, plus it's much classier (if that matters to you). The GTR is a big old bus, but it has spectacular ability built into it.

There are extensive tuning options for both, and to be honest even just a remap & exhaust takes them to levels that really are at the absolute limit for a road car, my 996 hits 100mph in about 7-8 seconds which then puts you firmly into prison food & VBRJ territory rarther than points or a ban, somthing to be considered if you actually want to use the car anywhere near to its potential...

For me, my list would go:

997 Turbo
V10 R8
GTR
Ferarri 360
V8 R8

Interestingly, asking my brother who is a track day & supercar experience day instructor (driven all of the mentioned cars extensively) his list is as follows:

V10 R8
997 Turbo
V8 R8
GTR
Ferarri 360


He rates the R8 chassis as best of the lot, but agreed that the V8 lacks the power it really deserves....

[mattf93]

RWD cossie wil said:

I currently own a 620+Bhp 996 turbo, & have driven a good mates R8 V10 quite a few times....

IMHO, if you want an R8, it has to be the V10 model as its light years ahead of the V8. The V8 is dog slow compared to the other options, the V10 puts it right back in the game, plus you get a fabulous noise!

Splitting the 997 & GTR seems hard at first, but the turbo is a pure sports car, small, low to the ground with a low centre of gravity, plus it's much classier (if that matters to you). The GTR is a big old bus, but it has spectacular ability built into it.

There are extensive tuning options for both, and to be honest even just a remap & exhaust takes them to levels that really are at the absolute limit for a road car, my 996 hits 100mph in about 7-8 seconds which then puts you firmly into prison food & VBRJ territory rarther than points or a ban, somthing to be considered if you actually want to use the car anywhere near to its potential...

For me, my list would go:
997 Turbo
V10 R8
GTR
Ferarri 360
V8 R8

Interestingly, asking my brother who is a track day & supercar experience day instructor (driven all of the mentioned cars extensively) his list is as follows:
V10 R8
997 Turbo
V8 R8
GTR
Ferarri 360

He rates the R8 chassis as best of the lot, but agreed that the V8 lacks the power it really deserves....

I wasn't going to mention the v10 as I would have thought it is out of the OPs budget unfortunately otherwise Id say do it. I know to some its just a fast audi than a porsche, but to me if you put the r8 next to a 911 turbo I think its the more beautiful car in my opinion, and if I was spending 40-50K on a car that would have to have significant weighting - its also what puts me off the GTR.

The performance you can extract from turbos is beyond ridiculous on these kind of cars, but would happily trade some outright pace for power and handling/chassis, as the GTR flatters a crap driver with all the clever electronics. The 911 and R8 are more analogue in my book. Id be happy with either tbh.
Also v8 and v10 r8s sound much better with aftermarket exhaust systems.

CGJJ said:

I think a lot of people will vote GTR until it is 45K of their own money.
At that point other factors rather than outright drivability come into play like what your missus will feel like sitting in it,
Whether you'll feel like you've arrived when you drive it through San Tropez and what your non-petrol head friends and colleagues think.

I am sure I'll get flamed for this post but when you've got that much money tied up in something the image is important.

This I have to agree with, Im a badge snob can't deny it, if Ive worked hard enough to want a sportscar I wouldn't want to just drive a Nissan ... although I could live with one for a short period of time, I couldnt see it being a keeper.

[velocitas]

Hey OP,

I was in a similar predicament recently and went for a Black 2009 R8 V8 on the basis of supercar looks, audi running costs and perceived cooler image. When I bought it I was going to get a louder exhaust but having had it for awhile now it's probably just about right. Performance is adequate too and very close on the V10 for less money, fuel and servicing. The V8 has a nicer burble at 2-3.5k RPM than the V10 too.

I looked at the 997.2 Carrera S as an alternative but whilst arguably a better engineered product, the image was a bit mid 50s golfer for me and the styling was a bit old fashioned compared with the futuristic R8. A GT3 bit have been a different story.

The GTR didn't make the list as I wanted something premium and special rather than a track monster. Maserati GT and Aston V8 Vantage were other shortlisted cars.