Deciding On...

[d3vine]

Hello everyone, I've set my mind on two sports cars for my speed fix, at least until something better comes along... This is a very, very difficult decision. I need some opinions from you all.

Should I go with:

1. 2001-Later Ultima GTR (SBC 350hp-550hp)
+ later will be converted to LS7 with 650hp

2. 2009 Nissan GTR (480hp/430lb feet of torque), AWD, tons of gadgets, dual clutch gearbox
+ 0-60mph 3.3 secs
+ 0-100mph 8.5 secs
+ 1/4 mile 11.6 secs
+ Top speed 193mph

These stats are from a stock car. These two cars will go for about the same price.

Edited by d3vine on Tuesday 11th March 15:15

[kylemrushall]

what do you want to do with the said vehicle??

Trackdays,posing,shows etc GTR/CAN AM

touring and going the shops, the other.

Do you want to fix it yourself or pay a main agent £0000000's to do it??

Tin tops depreciate like billyo!!

Plus do you believe those performance figures because i dont. There is a huge gap between the 0-60 and the 60-100 time.

[LuckyP]

If you wanna drive the car and improve your skills get the Ult.

If you want the car to drive for you get the Nissan.

[GTWayne]

d3vine said:

Hello everyone, I've set my mind on two sports cars for my speed fix

That is a good idea, get them both!

Two very different animals. The Skyline does look good on paper and I feel sure that it is almost as good for real but although published figures may look comparable, THAT, I am afraid, is where it ends.
It is very difficult to put into words but if you were to run both vehicles simultaneously, ( Oh if only eh' ), I think that you are likely to find + points for both but in hugely different areas.
The Ultima is fast and capable but minimalist as opposed to the Nissan being the same except that you are barely a formality as far as piloting said beast is concerned what with all the driver and safety aids on tap. The Nissan will get looks for sure but not the same kind of looks and from different folks compared to the Ultima. As has already been said above, the Ultima is more of a 'hands on' experience than the other with DIY work on the Nissan being a distinct no-no I would think. I could go on forever but ultimately it is only you that has to make such a decision.
One thing that I have learned about folk that build/buy Ultima's is that they are not usually making a decision about buying an Ult or something else, they have already made up their mind that the Ultima is for them and seem to make a B-line to acquire one. Good luck with making your eventual choice ( I still say get them both ! ).

[d3vine]

I know what you all mean. This is so difficult to choose. I've been dreaming about owning an Ultima since I was 16 in High School. After 10 years later, I still have the desire and finally, the fundings to own one. But this new Nissan GTR is a very special car. It reminds me of the Bugatti Veyron. Not trying to over hype the car, but it's very possible to get it as close to Veyron in acceleration/top speed but with the comfort for a small sum.

Gosh, I want both but I can't afford them. Dang it, this is so hard to decide. I'll weigh in the positives/negatives between these two cars, and make my decision. Thanks everyone.

[Steve_D]

Have you been in an Ultima?
If not then make this your next move as I doubt there will be a decision to make afterwards.

Steve

[d3vine]

Yes, I've ridden in a 400hp Ultima GTR before. The owner didn't drive it hard when he taken me out in it. But he did pushed in the gas pedal half way, and the torque threw me back into the seat. That was painful. Plus, the car have gotten a lot of looks from various ages. Some cute lady gave us a smile and a dumbs up.

The thing that's keeping me from going 100% with the Ultima is the lack of gadgets/toys to play with in the car. I like the simplistic approach of the Ultima, but would like to be able to have GPS Navigation/TV/data logging for track time/Lateral G/Cornering G/Temperature Check/etc... Also, really like the traction control, suspension control, launch control, and the dual clutch (clutchless, paddle shifting) feature of the Nissan GTR. It switches gears in 2/10ths of a second, as quick as F1! With the special launch control, you can obtain 0-60mph in under 4 secs every time. That's amazing.

It's definitely possible to put these type of gadgets into the Ultima but it requires extra cash, and understanding of wiring/installation, which I know nothing about. And hiring someone to do it will also cost extra.

[kylemrushall]

I think buddy you will be disappointed with the ULT as the only toy it has is the load pedal!!! but what a toy that is!!!!

I and im sure most of the guys will agree love its stripped out nature, apart from performance the two cars you are talking about are so far apart with regards to everything else i think as Steve said you need to try them both and work out exactly what you want it for.

Where are you in the UK??

[d3vine]

I'm located in USA. Currently, there aren't any 2009 Nissan GTRs roaming around so I can't get a right in it. But have read a lot of comments about the car being hideous looking. But looks are subjective so need to take a look at it in the flesh.

[Steve_D]

I agree with Wayne on this one.
If you are undecided between these completely different cars then the Ultima is not for you.
In order for the Ultima to work for you the toys would have to be on the 'Would be nice but not essential' list.

And finally, traction control and launch control is completely missing the point of an Ultima IMHO.

Steve

[martinlaw]

One important factor to consider is how good your driving skills are and how much driver involvement you desire.

The Nissan is quick but it virtually drives for you, the Ultima is insanely quick and very unforgiving if you get it wrong but very rewarding when you get it right.

Cheers,
Martin.

[Wilder]

d3vine said:

I know what you all mean. This is so difficult to choose. I've been dreaming about owning an Ultima since I was 16 in High School. After 10 years later, I still have the desire and finally, the fundings to own one. But this new Nissan GTR is a very special car. It reminds me of the Bugatti Veyron. Not trying to over hype the car, but it's very possible to get it as close to Veyron in acceleration/top speed but with the comfort for a small sum.

Gosh, I want both but I can't afford them. Dang it, this is so hard to decide. I'll weigh in the positives/negatives between these two cars, and make my decision. Thanks everyone.

Fraid its nowhere near the Veyron in acceleration. EG 6.2 secs for the Veyron to the ton & 8.9 secs (Evo mag this month) for the Nissan. Over the ton the Bugs plain mental.
Nissans a great car -but its no Veyron
As for the Ultima, - agree with the above. Its not a car for compromise in any way, - its fast -its brutal . & you need to know what your doing - Thats it.

[Stig]

kylemrushall said:

I think buddy you will be disappointed with the ULT as the only toy it has is the load pedal!!! but what a toy that is!!!!

I and im sure most of the guys will agree love its stripped out nature, apart from performance the two cars you are talking about are so far apart with regards to everything else i think as Steve said you need to try them both and work out exactly what you want it for.

Where are you in the UK??

That said, part of the beauty of the Ultima proposition is that you can customise it as you see fit.

My GTR-S was built on the premise of a road legal race car, however, the Can-Am was conceived as far more of a GT. The Pioneer AVIC system I had in it had some great toys - like virtual dial displays with g-meters, acceleration data etc. Trouble is, you're so busy concentrating on the road (bends comes up FAST ) you rarely use it. It's a rewarding car to drive as you know it's entirely dependent on you to keep it on the black stuff.

A friend of mine, who has a Porsche 997 GT3 recently drove the new Nissan GTR (the white one which is the only one in the UK at presetnt I believe) and was absolutely amazed by it (and from him that's praise indeed and having been in the GT3 on a trackday - it must be something special to compete in that arena). However, whilst it's special - is it special enough? The Nissan is definitely the better everyday proposition, but at the end of the day, it's 'just' another Nissan.

You'll also be 100% dependent on Nissan dealers to take care of it (especially as Nissan seem to have completely locked down the ECU). But if you like skimming knuckles and having grease under your fingernails, then it's a no-brainer

[d3vine]

I've decided to go with an Ultima GTR over the Nissan GTR. Dealerships here are charging a 20k+ markup on top of the MSRP. So the price/taxes/tags/etc will be close to a 100Gs. It'll be too much for a Nissan.

Now, all I need to do is scout for a nice condition and well price Ultima GTR for sale. I'll definitely add on the body mods like Wayne's. Also, going with Titanium brakes, Carbon/Magnesium wheels, aluminum radiator, carbon triple plate clutch. Will stick with a SBC engine but will change it to EFI. Will mod it to about 650bhp. Thanks everyone!

[kylemrushall]

d3vine said:

I've decided to go with an Ultima GTR over the Nissan GTR. Dealerships here are charging a 20k+ markup on top of the MSRP. So the price/taxes/tags/etc will be close to a 100Gs. It'll be too much for a Nissan.

Now, all I need to do is scout for a nice condition and well price Ultima GTR for sale. I'll definitely add on the body mods like Wayne's. Also, going with Titanium brakes, Carbon/Magnesium wheels, aluminum radiator, carbon triple plate clutch. Will stick with a SBC engine but will change it to EFI. Will mod it to about 650bhp. Thanks everyone!

good luck

[SlackBlevens]

d3vine said:

I've decided to go with an Ultima GTR over the Nissan GTR. Dealerships here are charging a 20k+ markup on top of the MSRP. So the price/taxes/tags/etc will be close to a 100Gs. It'll be too much for a Nissan.

Now, all I need to do is scout for a nice condition and well price Ultima GTR for sale. I'll definitely add on the body mods like Wayne's. Also, going with Titanium brakes, Carbon/Magnesium wheels, aluminum radiator, carbon triple plate clutch. Will stick with a SBC engine but will change it to EFI. Will mod it to about 650bhp. Thanks everyone!

Sounds nice - I don't understand why you'd go SBC over LS7 though - can't be cost constraints with all those lovely expensive mods you've listed?!

Cheers
Darren

Edited by SlackBlevens on Saturday 15th March 08:45

[DHGTR]

SlackBlevens said:

d3vine said:

I've decided to go with an Ultima GTR over the Nissan GTR. Dealerships here are charging a 20k+ markup on top of the MSRP. So the price/taxes/tags/etc will be close to a 100Gs. It'll be too much for a Nissan.

Now, all I need to do is scout for a nice condition and well price Ultima GTR for sale. I'll definitely add on the body mods like Wayne's. Also, going with Titanium brakes, Carbon/Magnesium wheels, aluminum radiator, carbon triple plate clutch. Will stick with a SBC engine but will change it to EFI. Will mod it to about 650bhp. Thanks everyone!

Sounds nice - I don't understand why you'd go SBC over LS7 though - can't be cost constraints with all those lovely expensive mods you've listed?!

Cheers
Darren

Edited by SlackBlevens on Saturday 15th March 08:45

Completely agree with Darren, SBC is great for relatively low cost and lots of power but if money isnt a constraint then def LS7. Why would you have titanium brakes when the AP's are more than capable of the job, if its a weight thing then surely by swopping from iron to ally block you would make a much greater saving.