I just test drove a 2008 Porsche Turbo and 2008 BMW M3 back to back and frankly there was no comparison. Clearly they are in a different price category and should not be compared but the M3's performance begs comparison and relative value beg comparisons by car journalists.
The M3 was rough when pushed above 6,000 rpms and not especially fast when kept under 6,500 rpms. The Porsche was brutal and very smooth in its acceleration with so much mid-range torque that it was never necessary to approach its redline.
As I have never driven the R8 I would welcome any comparative driving impressions. I am to receive an R8 in September and do not want to be disappointed by its performance.
Having driven both the M3 and R8 back to back when I was considering ditching my R8 order for an M3.
All I can say is that as an out an out drivers tool the R8 felt far more involving than the M3. The R8 felt a lot more eager than the M3 through the gears and in terms of sure footed handling I'd rather live with the R8 any day (in terms of typical Scottish weather conditions)
From a stealth point of view the M3 appeals over the R8 because it just looks like any other 3 series on the road. Its also 30k cheaper than the R8 and has a couple more seats. Therefore on paper as a family guy with 2 kids the M3 should have been the logical, commonsense choice for me. But who said choosing a performance car was a sensible choice in the first place
Can't comment on the 911, porkers have never really done it for me
I would have to agree with respect to your assessment of the M3 in all respects. I was not impressed by it as a driver's car and found it less engaging then my old 2000 M3 which had far less power. It is certainly more practical (I also have two young children) and far less expensive but it felt as though the car was simply a 3 series with a big engine. It certainly is not a sports car.
Can't comment on the M3, but I have driven the 997turbo over familiar roads.
The Porsche was very very fast - much quicker than the R8 in acceleration.
However, it also felt quite bland - not so much feedback, more detached, and far less sense of occasion. The R8 provides better feedback, and is more involving from lower speeds. I prefer the handling balance - the Porsche stability electronics were working when the Audi's weren't, and although the R8 feels softer, it copes better with poor roads (again I'm in Scotland...)
Given equal driving ability, a 997 turbo would not get away from an R8 across country.
The Audi does attract too much attention, but all of it benign so far.
I've had several 911's over the last few years, but none have come close to the R8.
I have driven an M3 CSL (the previous model) which was stunning, very involving & fast, but the R8 is still ahead in every way (apart from only having 2 seats.)
Then there's the noise... and the way it looks...
Yes the Audi seems to win on the intangibles. I also find that the 997 turbo is becoming too common place. I saw 5 today (mind you 3 were owner cars in for service at the dealer). This combined with the relatively small number of people who are prepared to pay the additional 45K US$ for the turbo over the Carrera S affect the resale value. The dealer had a 2007 997 turbo with 5,000 miles, an MSRP of $138,000 for sale for $119,000 on consignment and almost begged me to make them an offer. This would certainly not be the case with the R8, at least not until the current demand has been met and cars become readily available.
I was all set to buy a 997tt but the test drive massively disappointed me.
It only really delivered at full tilt, but for everything else (which means most of the time on the road) it lacked the certain something that the r8 has.
The sound and looks go a long way towards that and for me, the r-tronic too. Throw in the sweet handling, rear biased 4wd and "normal" servicing and dealership volumes and it's a great package.
I have driven both the R8 and Porker Turbo(the porker more than the R8). I love the R8(have ordered one actually) but in comparison to the Turbo as a 'driving tool' it falls way way way short. The Turbo is seriously fast, super car humbling, whereas the R8 V8, although fast, is not in the same league. The R8 does drive incredibly well putting the pace aside but again the Turbo is better. As for looks they are really too different for comparison, the R8 is a more 'look at me' car whereas the Turbo is relatively stealthy, looking quite similar to other 911s
I do agree.
The 997TT is in a different league in terms of performance. But still, I prefer the R8 for the reasons mentioned above. I wish the R8 had a low pressure turbo (or two.. like the 335i BMW) and still be able of high-revving. That would be perfect.
my audi-dealer privatly(?) owns both R8 and 997TT,
he would love to see the handling of the R8 combined with the power of the 997tt
he misses the big push of the turbo
I owned a 997tt and extensively tried the m3 before buying the r8.
The m3 has a magnificent motor but frankly is so uninvolving it defies belief.Very roomy and very comfortable .
The 997tt..well anything will feel slow after that ,a truly phenomenal car but in many ways I prefeered the 997 c2s I had before it,it is as some have said quite uninvolving and you really have to be a superb driver to get the most out of it.It actually scared me witless on a few occassions,but not in a good way.
Thye r8 is much better than both these cars,except in terms of acceleration,it is very close to the m3 and a long way behind the 997tt,but if you want a car to involve you and inspire you the r8 is the best useable sportscar on the market at this time and I include ferraris and lambos in that statement.
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