Am I mad considering an old r8
Discussion
I always like to hear my fellow Porsche PHers thoughts and opinions. So I have another question for all of you... I currently have a 997 GTS, which is a fantastic machine, I find it hard to fault. It is also the best Porsche u have ever owned. But, I have always been swayed by the beauty of the R8. Would I be mad thinking it a good idea to swap my GTS for an R8? The only R8s in my budget would be the 4.2L entry level versions. I worry that, although I would have an r8 which would feel like perhaps a more exclusive machine, that ultimately I might come to regret the swap. I know this is all subjectiveI, but I just want to know what you lot think on the subject.
gilliambot said:
I always like to hear my fellow Porsche PHers thoughts and opinions. So I have another question for all of you... I currently have a 997 GTS, which is a fantastic machine, I find it hard to fault. It is also the best Porsche u have ever owned. But, I have always been swayed by the beauty of the R8. Would I be mad thinking it a good idea to swap my GTS for an R8? The only R8s in my budget would be the 4.2L entry level versions. I worry that, although I would have an r8 which would feel like perhaps a more exclusive machine, that ultimately I might come to regret the swap. I know this is all subjectiveI, but I just want to know what you lot think on the subject.
You would be mad to swap IMO. The 4.2 V8 is a great car but its not as rewarding to drive as the 997 GTS.
I was toying with the idea of selling my 997 GT3 for a V10 R8 a while back but after a long test drive I changed my mind.
As a side note, looking at the current market, the V10 R8 would be a more of a comparison value wise to the GTS.
I can't help, but think of the r8 as as slightly larger, squashed TT.
They also look very wide to my eye and I'm not so sure how much of a handicap that could be on some of the smaller British roads I tend to get most enjoyment from.
I do understand that they drive brilliantly, but I'd keep the GTS every day of the week.
They also look very wide to my eye and I'm not so sure how much of a handicap that could be on some of the smaller British roads I tend to get most enjoyment from.
I do understand that they drive brilliantly, but I'd keep the GTS every day of the week.
Edited by ellroy on Monday 8th February 11:49
I've come at it the other way........we've had two R8s, an early V8 and a V10 plus. I've had an extended drive in a 997 C4S and couldn't possibly contemplate the Porsche as an ownership prospect after the Audi. Very subjective discussion, but I couldn't live with the steering in the 911, and would rather have another Boxster for that reason alone.
I loved both Audis, and will consider another when it's feasible, just lovely things to drive, imo.
I loved both Audis, and will consider another when it's feasible, just lovely things to drive, imo.
Good luck with the test drives!
I haven't owned a 997 GTS, but I have owned a 997 S and a 997 Turbo and now have an R8 V10. I would say the Porsche's are better to drive. However, the ownership experience is not just how good they are at driving and the R8 offers alternatives that the 911 can't match - such as presence and curbside appeal.
If it's an itch you want to scratch then go for it, however I wouldn't go in there thinking the R8 is going to be any better. It's just different.
If you can get a good price on your GTS and a fair deal on an R8 then make it happen. Neither car is likely to lose much money in the near future, so if you do want to go back then that option should still be open to you.
One thing I think you will notice most is induction noise. The R8's engines in the cabin are very quiet compared to the N/A 911's and it is personally something I miss.
Go drive a couple of R8's and see what you think.
I haven't owned a 997 GTS, but I have owned a 997 S and a 997 Turbo and now have an R8 V10. I would say the Porsche's are better to drive. However, the ownership experience is not just how good they are at driving and the R8 offers alternatives that the 911 can't match - such as presence and curbside appeal.
If it's an itch you want to scratch then go for it, however I wouldn't go in there thinking the R8 is going to be any better. It's just different.
If you can get a good price on your GTS and a fair deal on an R8 then make it happen. Neither car is likely to lose much money in the near future, so if you do want to go back then that option should still be open to you.
One thing I think you will notice most is induction noise. The R8's engines in the cabin are very quiet compared to the N/A 911's and it is personally something I miss.
Go drive a couple of R8's and see what you think.
Own a 996 turbo, and have driven a mate's R8 GT (V10).
I can quite easily see what attracts people to the R8 in terms of aesthetics; there's certainly much more 'theater' and show to an R8. They drive very nicely - IMHO the feel is not a million miles from a turbo - and sound good in both V8 and 10 guise; the latter being sublime and very swift. I think they're pretty reliable too.
It really ought to be a case that these sorts of cars are bought as much with the heart as with the head; as other people here say, have some test drives and allow yourself to make a genuine, personal decision.
I can quite easily see what attracts people to the R8 in terms of aesthetics; there's certainly much more 'theater' and show to an R8. They drive very nicely - IMHO the feel is not a million miles from a turbo - and sound good in both V8 and 10 guise; the latter being sublime and very swift. I think they're pretty reliable too.
It really ought to be a case that these sorts of cars are bought as much with the heart as with the head; as other people here say, have some test drives and allow yourself to make a genuine, personal decision.
briefly Had a R8 couple of years ago, typical Audi, good build quality, engine makes a very nice noise, Sadly not quick enough for the fuel it used and for me totally uninspiring to drive, felt huge when was driving it about town, certainly didnt push my buttons. Few of my pals drove the R8 and all came to the same conclusion , in the same breath had a 997 but was a C4 and didnt like that either so Im prob the wrong man to advise !
v8ksn said:
Digga said:
Not me driving it (I'm in a VW van today!) and Mrs is working in London, so I hope it wasn't mine.
I took a guess it was you as the reg plate was something similar to D1 GGA
I think the curbside theatre of the R8/10 is starting to fade rapidly actually. They didn't keep pace with styling evolution. Very dramatic impactful car when it came out but that was a long time ago now. And it'll always be, an Audi. Porsche is timeless however imo. It's not going to turn heads but neither will the Audi anymore. So it's down to which is the best to live with, love and enjoy at the end of the day.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff