The hardest decision of my life...

[Moop]

I've been lurking on here for a while now and I have a dilemma on which I'd like R8talk's perspective. I currently have a deposit down on an incoming '14 GT-R which is set to arrive sometime next month. After driving a close friend's '11 R8 5.2 Spyder I'm really second guessing the purchase, especially seeing the updated '14 R8 in magazine articles. Either car will have to serve duty as a semi-daily driver (2 or 3 days a week) and I'm concerned that an R8 V10 might be too flashy and exotic for such use. I love the idea of a traditional manual, and the roar of the V10 is intoxicating. The R8 is every bit as sexy as the GT-R is homely. But I'm a relatively young owner for either car (still finishing school) and that kind of attention seems like it would get old really fast. Fuel cost and insurance for the R8 would probably be considerably higher than in the Nissan, in addition to the initial purchase price. And even though the GT-R's back seat is more of just a novelty, it's always nice to have if the need arises. Then there's the elephant in the room- although the R8 is certainly no slouch, a loaded 5.2 Plus will be $70k more than an undeniably quicker GT-R.
I'm really stuck. The idea of an R8 makes my heart pound, but my brain tells me that the GT-R is the more practical car for my needs.
Does anybody on here have experience with both vehicles?
I'd love for current owners to weigh in.

[NavySubOfficer]

It sounds like you've already made up your mind that the R8 is what you really want. Pick up a 2010 or 2011 V10 and you won't be anywhere near $70K above the GT-R.

[CPBRI]

I've owned both. Both very quick and both garner a ton of attention. I enjoyed my 1.5 years with the GTR. Used it as a daily and felt it did very well in that role. You'll hear the standard refrain about the car having no soul and that it drives itself. For me, that was nonsense. It is astoundingly quick and makes quick work of commuting traffic. Never did track it as I had a GT3 for that role.

As for the R8, it's also a superb daily driver. Yes, much more exotic than the GTR, but more comfortable on New England roads. Probably not a concern for AZ roads. Loved the 5.2 motor and the noises it made.

You will sit up much higher in the GTR and down into the R8.

I don't think you can make a bad choice here. Just go with the one that puts the biggest smile on your face.

[alin2]

Just to play devil's advocate...since you are still young and a student, save the $$$, enjoy the heck out of the GT-R, and then, when the next "best thing" becomes available, you'll be better positioned to enjoy that.

Unless your getting a classic, irreplaceable car like an Enzo, there will always be the next great car to pursue...

[Stig 1]

Actually, I do have a similar experience with both vehicles. If you car to read it, its here ---> 1600 Mile Road Trip Lands 2012 V10 in Garage

The nut shell version is that I also put a DP down on a GTR last year, but I really did lose interest within weeks of doing so and weeks before it was at the dealership. After I drove a V10 R8, I was sold and 100% happy with that choice ever since!

You should check with you insurance.. It wouldn't surprise me if the R8 come out cheaper than the GTR.

The flash!... real car people know the GTR and it otherwise blends in.... nearly everyone knows the R8 is something exotic!

Usability being lightly less than everyday use, Absolutely if it provides you with enough cargo room. If this is a second car, then zero worries there.

Nearly double the cost.... You are the only one that knows your finance situation. If your going to spend 75% of your income for the next 5 years for this car, run far far away, and come back another day!!!

[Dimitri]

Owned a gtr for 2 years.
Great car but I never liked transmission
And the stiff run flats. Very uncomfortable.
Once I drove the spider v10 manual I was sold.
Good luck they are both exotic in my eyes

[drmand]

I bought my R8 in my last year of "student status". Agreed, it was a lot of attention. Some good, a lot bad. But I've learned that you can't base a decision like this on what other people think and how they will react. Like it was said above, go with whichever one puts the biggest smile on your face. In my own humble opinion, as a complete car, the GTR doesn't come close to the Audi and its worth every penny of the extra ~$70,000.

[BlackPenquinn]

Hard to answer without knowing your situation.

I bought mt R8 V10 as my everyday car (I have a "summer" car and we have a Range Rover for family duties). But I do drive my R8 to work, milk runs etc.

It is a very doable daily driver, not as low as my V12 Vantage. Far quieter inside. It has great vision. The ride is excellent. The V10 sound is killer. The power above 4000rpms is addictive. I have a manual and love the gated shifter.

But...
The doors are wide, very wide for tight parking spots. There is no 'real' storage and the frunk gets hot enough to melt ice cream. It is an expensive car.

Everyone has their own personal finances to control, and that is none of our business. I'm only bringing it up because I was your age once too.

My broad advice would be to not spend money you 'need' on a car you don't. I have several nice cars, but I have no real debt. But I'm still not looking to waste money. Two of my cars were bought gently used. The Aston was 9 months old and I saved $50k, the R8 was two years old and I save $60k. Anyway you look at it, that's real money.

$50k invested at your age goes a long way in the future.

I once had a Boxster S. in hindsight,mpossibly the best for buck any car has ever given me.


Enjoy your car, all the best.

[PunjabiM3]

Must be pretty nice being almost done with school and being able to afford a GTR or R8 V10! Wow! I graduated from dental school almost 7 years ago and just purchased a R8 V10 which is en route. I too thought long and hard about a GTR due to the sheer numbers of the car, but at the end decided against it because of several reasons. The main reason for me is that the R8 has been a dream car of mine since I first saw one after it launched. I have had chances now three times to get a GTR and each time I did not end up getting it and chose another car. The second reason for me is that I must have a manual transmission. The Nissan dealers are not cool about letting people test drive the GTR, but I went and test drove a Porsche with the PDK and, though cool, I was pretty bored by the end of the test drive. The flappy paddle gear box just does not do it for me. Let me know what you end up getting as we have a local group of friends here that meets on a regular basis...

[PunjabiM3]

I've owned both. Both very quick and both garner a ton of attention. I enjoyed my 1.5 years with the GTR. Used it as a daily and felt it did very well in that role. You'll hear the standard refrain about the car having no soul and that it drives itself. For me, that was nonsense. It is astoundingly quick and makes quick work of commuting traffic. Never did track it as I had a GT3 for that role.

As for the R8, it's also a superb daily driver. Yes, much more exotic than the GTR, but more comfortable on New England roads. Probably not a concern for AZ roads. Loved the 5.2 motor and the noises it made.

You will sit up much higher in the GTR and down into the R8.

I don't think you can make a bad choice here. Just go with the one that puts the biggest smile on your face.

Actually the roads in Tucson are pretty crappy. They remind of roads in the Midwest and East Coast. This city is the most terribly planned city I have been to in the US and they very much neglect their roads. It is the polar opposite of Phoenix in this regard.