R8 vs 997.Turbo vs GT-R

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My thoughts around something to replace the TVR Cerbera that's going to get used more, and also be there fore more adventurous drives (e.g. leMans) requiring a little less love and care to keep on the road, albeit similar investment

R8 - well refined and "special" but expensive to live with
997.Turbo - safest option with the performance but something of a stigma attached to the marque
GT-R - absolute weapon but to the extent of being too extreme/raw in comparison

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wormus said:

I suspect if you are selling the TVR, none of those will replace it for smiles. All fantastic cars just not fun or special. You could try something in between like a new Mustang V8 or a VXR8 GTS ?

Absolutely take your point. Been years in coming to the decision, but we're there. It's time (and all that).

I think I'm shifting slightly in terms of what I'm looking for as opposed to trying to replace her - as you say - that's really hard with a Cerb. So I'm changing, not replace

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CGJJ said:

i had this exact choice to make.

After a lifetime of Subaru's i decided the GT-R was not a step in the right direction for me at 44 years old.
I also decided the R8 was a little too restrictive with only two seats (i have kids who may occasionally want a lift
on a short journey and two seats would mean i would have to drive the missus's car).

I chose the 997 Turbo.I bought it 15 months ago and have already done 14K miles in it.I just drove it work in Snowdonia for a fortnight from London,then to Hereford for a week,at 5am down the A40 through Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.

Every single moment of every drive i am happy with my decision,even when i am sitting in a traffic jam on the M25 (it is tiptronic).

Awesome. I'm thinking something similar... However, have a RangeRover too, so can make that compromise and consider the R8 perhaps more so...

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spud989 said:

Turbo or GTR over R8 easily. The R8 just isn't really 'special' enough anymore, unless it's a V10. Been eclipsed by much more 'average' cars.

Can't see the R8 being as much of an event. Mind you, I'd love a Turbo one day (+ exhaust/remap), so maybe I'm biased.

I'm wondering if the R8 is getting a little cliche...

You certainly don't see many of them though. Are they ageing? Or an all time classic?

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Jandywa said:

The v8 engine in the r8 is an absolute cracker. They are also still a bloody good looking car, I was following one yesterday down the m1 and couldn't help thinking how it still stands out and just looks 'right'

The gtr does nothing for me it never has. I can admire the engineering but just think it will be boring to live with and the interior isn't good.

It would be between the 997 turbo and the r8 for me hands down. What a horrible decision to have to make OP! ..

To be clear - there ain't no showboatin, very aware it's a fabulously fortunate decision to be contemplating at all...

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CGJJ said:

Mine last week after getting driven properly for an hour on Welsh mountain roads.

Those Welsh roads look like they've deteriorated quite significantly since I was last blatting about up there...!




... or maybe it's a field ...?

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mattf93 said:

I know you have posted these things, but do you have a set budget, although not as quick as a gtr or turbo, I would really consider an Aston Martin v8 Vantage (4.7 is much better) manual.
A friend of mine came from a tvr into a v8 vantage as it felt like a more natural step, looks gorgeous, sounds amazing and it was something he had always wanted. He then went to a v8 vantage s roadster (manual), to a DBS Manual now to a DBS Volante Auto, he's now struggling at where to go (nice problem to have) next.

He loves the brand, the heritage and the noise, he did say the v8 r8 was his other choice but fancied the aston more.
I really think you should consider one, although I know that not all are the most reliable, if you've got enough budget for a 4.7 manual you should be ok

Out of your choices I would 100% go with the Audi, they are so balanced and useable, yes theyre less practical than the 911 ( I wouldn't give the GTR a look in as the interior is crap and the stereotype with it) but imo looks better and sounds better than the turbo. Natural Aspirated engines will be gone before long, so enjoy them why they are still here!
However it is about what YOU want Id pick an R8 or a V8 vantage though. (Manual) of course.

Hope these views aren't too critical. I know Im going to get hate :P

Interestingly I've completely ruled out Aston. Used to love the brand but having got up close and personal with them, I'm massively disillusioned and have no intention of buying one. Sorry.

Intend to admire the form from afar and nothing more now.

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macky17 said:

Incidentally, of the three you suggested I voted 997TT. r8 v8 a little sluggish and GTR... Well let's not start that again (but I have owned one). From your original post however, why are you looking at daily drivers? Don't let the pendulum swing too far towards useabilty as you will only get bored.

Agree completely.

I don't think the pendulum's gone too far with this particular spread though - do you?

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Debaser said:

Is an R8 noticeably more expensive to own than the others?

All these are about the same budget range hence the year-specific description.

There are decent examples between £40-45k

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Interesting split on the Poll...

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

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Interesting split on the Poll...

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