Manual V10 Test

[gazza1]

Answers some of the questions about handling,grip and braking etc.

After reading I am tormented again whether to do it or not.Particularly in a manual again

Very close to signing for a GT-R that's immediately available to park alongside the V8.

WHAT TO DO!!

Any fatherly advice out there.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*

[wolfie]

Given your options I would definitely get the GTR, no question. Listen the v10 is faster but the driving characteristics are not better and some have said worse due to the additional weight. The GTR would give you a completly different feel plus the extra power and speed, not to mention that you wouldn't have to realize the depreciation on your v8 in this market. I don't see that there is even a debate here.

[R8_V8_driver]

Don't sell your V8. But why would you consider the Nissan? The R8 is fantastic and there are better 4-seaters than the GTR.

If you really want the GTR just wait for Gran Turismo 5.

[SFR8]

gazza, I would not upgrade to a V10 because the only difference is the additional power, everything else (handling, look, interior, etc) feels the same. That does not create enough of a new car feel and in a couple of months it won't feel that much different from your current R8. I woud spend the money on a "different" car.

[JOEA2]

For a real change in driving experience get a Ford GT, but keep the R8!

[SteveR]

Please elaborate. I planned to get a GT until the R8 came out. Never got a chance to see one up close though.

[StuM]

Re the Ford GT, I had an '06. While not a bad car, the fit, finish and quality of materials was far below the Audi or other exotics. The straight line quickness was fine, but she got a bit oversteered in the turns. The ride was also harsh. I would take our R8 or Aston over the GT any day. Fun for a while, but then a bit brash, somewhat like a Viper. I later had an F430 and it is 100% better than the GT in every way. (much more $$$ yoo!)
Finally, if you go the GT route, make sure you have ample garage side space and never park where someone can park up close to you. Those doors are a bear to open and go into/out, if you are squeezed by space.

[JOEA2]

The GT draws more attention than any car I own. The power is awsum and the ability to increase the HP is incredible!
In all, a blast to drive.

[randombloke]

But why would you consider the Nissan? The R8 is fantastic and there are better 4-seaters than the GTR.

for the performance (especially at its price point)? I've seen a few gtr's in the flesh and to me it's a good looking car - although I can appreciate why it's not to everyone's taste.

[KfabR8]

For a real change in driving experience get a Ford GT, but keep the R8!

Very, very limited seat time in one - about 6 or 7 miles of seat time.

Brutal power - but silky smooth delivery. No hit, no real power band, just grunt off the bottom end, shift to third and wow, we're running almost a 100 mph very quickly.

I wish we'd been able to go play on some twisties, but there were none in the immediate area, so I didn't get a chance to see what the handling and braking were like.

The performance aspect of the car was, for my tiny time in it, very impressive.

Very Ford like in interior (duh - it is a Ford..) - and extremely utilitarian. There are absolutely no creature comforts in the GT. Yes I realize that Ford wanted this to be a "copy" of the original GT40s and I understand where they were coming from in design and concept, but after having an R8, why would any auto maker not take the Audi approach and make a dynamic car livable and useable as a daily driver?

The view out of the car, other than straight ahead, was atrocious. I actually had to put my head up over the steering wheel and look around/in front of the A-pillars to see anything to the side.

I don't know who was responsible for the door/roof line setup, but they need to be hit very hard in the head with a ball-peen hammer in the same spot that the stupid roof part that's attached to the door hit me.

I'm sorry, but the car's a pain to get out of, so why did you put a large, flat plate on top of the door that impedes egress and drops you to you knees whilst seeing stars?

Stick with the Audi brand and go get a V10 (like I'm thinking about doing...)