R8 V10+ to GT4

Author
Discussion

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Wednesday 18th April 2018
quotequote all
Hi guys considering a change from my 2014 plus and one of the cars I'm thinking of is the GT4, dont expect it would cost much to switch but has anyone made a similar change? Given that the R8 cost significantly more new than a GT4 did does that cost diff show or are these GT4's underpriced to begin with? I've tracked my car quite a few times now so my understanding is that's the GT4's natural environment...all thoughts comments welcome cheers!

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Wednesday 18th April 2018
quotequote all
v8ksn said:
The R8 V10 is a magnificent engine, as I am sure you know. The GT4's will feel flat in comparrison.

If your R8 V10 is a manual gearbox version I would hold onto it with both hands!
It has the S tronic which is mighty when mated to that engine...yeah I'm guessing that the Gt4's outright performance might feel a little flat compared to the V10 but I'll certainly line up a test drive to see

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Wednesday 18th April 2018
quotequote all
Koln-RS said:
Depends what you want and how you intend to use it.

I see, in the latest EVO, the new 991 GT3 comfortably sees off the R8 V10 RWS.

But, in the real world, more modest cars can actually be more enjoyable and rewarding. Nice test of the old Renaultsport Clio Cup, a few pages on, which emphasises the point.
I currently track the R8 4-5 times a yr ( 2 days at the ring) so don't think it would be much more than that in a diff car tbh, its been great on track but of course the GT4 will defo handle better. Problem with the new GT3 is its a £170-180k car given current used prices, that's almost double the price of a used GT4 or a 2 yr old new shape R8 V10...its surely not twice as good as either of those but a mute point as much too expensive anyway.

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Wednesday 18th April 2018
quotequote all
Porsche911R said:
gen 2 R8 v10 plus are now in the £90k's bracket so mega value if you want 600BHP in a NA V10.
yep thats absolutely true so much car for the cash on my list to test drive as well

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Wednesday 18th April 2018
quotequote all
isaldiri said:
I don't think that's necessarily a given the gt4 will handle better. the r8 is an awfully good car in many respects, especially the plus. it has some maddening aspects (brake pedal primarily being very over servo'd) but overall as a package especially for how much you track the car, the v10 is a far more attractive package. I would definitely advise a decent test drive of a gt4 first before making the switch.
Fair comments there and don't get me wrong I love my V10 plus I'm just gonna test drive cars that interest me to see if anything measures up

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
quotequote all
So have a test drive lined up on Monday for the yellow car at East London Porsche let's see how it goes

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
quotequote all
Some reviews I've seen have mentioned some understeer ( motor trend while doing a hot lap) and that the car is too long geared .... anyone agree with these observations ?

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
quotequote all
Thanks for the detailed input above I have to admit some of the suggested fixes are above my technical understanding I'm sure it's something that only pretty advanced drivers would care about ? I've found it interesting that the responses here are very balanced in acknowledging what a belting car the V10 plus is and that it's not a change that should be made lightly nice to see such objectivity.

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Monday 23rd April 2018
quotequote all
Guys so quick update I had a drive this morning in the GT4 at East London Porsche ...I really really liked it ...leaves me in a serious quandary! Some thoughts I loved the overall feel, cockpit is lovely , proper well sprung clutch , lovely gearshift short throw and engaging the auto blip feature is great for those who can't heel n toe ( of course would try to learn to do myself !) , car felt plenty quick enough overall . One thing was the break pedal travel was quite short ( a few cm/s at most at the top ) is this pretty normal ?(it's was on steels).
The slight negative for me was the fixed carbon seats, great for track but normal road driving over longer distances I could see it being a touch uncomfortable , however I think without those resale value would be impacted. Of course back in the R8 afterwards and it's so comfortable by comparison and then the V10 honey ...I'm really not sure on this one ...if I could have both I would but that's not a runner !

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Monday 23rd April 2018
quotequote all
In truth I've always found the regular seats in the R8 lacking in support (particular on the sides) come track time, the buckets in the GT4 look the nuts and are very supportive I'm sure I could live with them wouldn't be doing more than 3-4k miles a year in the car anyway. I don't think I'm far away from a deal level as had a bit of over and back with the sales guy since the drive. I wouldn't normally go for a bright yellow car but I think its suits the racy nature to a tee, decals as well to finish the look. I think I'd like a longer drive in it just to be sure, its on sale or return so would need permission from owner on that I'd imagine.

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Tuesday 24th April 2018
quotequote all
ravon said:
I was at Estoril and Jerez last Autumn with my somewhat modified GT4 and it simply couldn’t live with the two R8 V10’s on the same event , they were so much faster on any breath of a straight. Left me thinking the exact opposite of the original poster !
Gen 1 V10's?

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Tuesday 24th April 2018
quotequote all
So Porsche can't offer me an extended test drive ( I asked for an hr in the car ) as it's not a demo vehicle and they said owner wouldn't be on for it, thought that given I'm a serious buyer that this could have been sorted but alas no ...anyone wanna lend me theirs for a couple of hrs ?? Bit of a tricky one as I really need more time in the car to be sure of switching

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Wednesday 25th April 2018
quotequote all
To be honest I'd be suprised if a GT4 on Cup 2's wasn't able to hang with a V10 R8 on normal Pirellis on track, tyres make a huge diff

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Monday 14th May 2018
quotequote all
Chaps thought I'd update everyone as despite being very close to a deal on the GT4 that I test drove things changed on Thur when I had a 2 hr extended drive in a V12 Vantage S... extended drive was the key and I was blown away to be honest a very special car meaning I just put a deposit down today for it. In reality there wasn't much of a difference in price (only a few k)...perhaps I'll join the Porsche family at some point in the future it almost happened this time!

RSbandit

Original Poster:

2,615 posts

133 months

Monday 14th May 2018
quotequote all
It's a Sportshift box which when driven on paddles while modulating throttle on upshifts is quite engaging and needs a bit more thought than S tronic or Pdk