So is it fast enough?

[Niall McMahon]

After months of searching, researching and test-driving I'm down to two possible cars: An R8 V8 and a 997 GT3. I love the looks and comfort and quality of the R8 but the Porsche is much quicker (well, feels much quicker anyway). I'm curious how many of you are perfectly happy with your V8 and will be keeping it because you love it (and not because, like me, you can't afford a V10) and how many have looked into having it remapped where apparently 440+ bhp and greater flexibility are possible?

[KfabR8]

I'm curious how many of you are perfectly happy with your V8 and will be keeping it because you love it (and not because, like me, you can't afford a V10)

I AM!!!!

I've considered a V10, but my car has such a great history to me that I can't justify the change.

I'm also considering a VF setup, but do I really need more?

Probably not - and recently, I've been working extremely hard to avoid the nice blue and white cars with lights on the roof.

This not speeding stuff (as per the judge's instructions*) is killing me.

And yes, the car is fast enough. I'd like it to be quicker, though; hence toying w/the idea of the VF.




* 3 little slips of paper in one year tends to make the local government a bit touchy. Only one of them was in the R8 and it was not for speeding.

[randombloke]

In the real world for road driving I can't see that I'd actually make any use of any greater power - it's mostly the handling that delivers the speed for me on the roads I drive - and I prefer the sound of the v8 to the v10.

I'd always planned to trade the v8 for the v10 when the v10 was launched, but right now I can't see the sense in it. In a year or so I'll have to change the v8 for something - and much as I like change, I can't see anything right now I'd take over an r8 so it'll likely be a v10 come that stage as a head ruling the heart thing.

[Garyhun]

The only disappointment I have is that the torque delivery curve is steeper than I imagined in that you need revs. I thought the acceleration would come right across the rev range but it does not.

Now...the real Q is... am I disappointed enough to fork out on a V10. Answer = No.

Top speed is more than fast enough for me and, despite the above, I actually like free revving engines that you can work and which enjoy being revved - especially when they sound as good as the V8.

[R84ME]

The 911 engine is STILL in the wrong place. I chose the R8 because it offered three features I consider critical; V8 engine, mid-engine design and quattro AWD. It's a killer combination. If you get in a situation that results in bent aluminium, you can rest assured that it was your lack of driving skill. It CERTAINLY will not be the R8's fault!

I don't know anyone who doesn't want "more power" in whatever they have. I can't drive my V8 near it's limits so for me, it's totally adequate.

Make the right decision on this, the R8 is a car that keeps on giving.

[ianerrid]

After months of searching, researching and test-driving I'm down to two possible cars: An R8 V8 and a 997 GT3. I love the looks and comfort and quality of the R8 but the Porsche is much quicker (well, feels much quicker anyway). I'm curious how many of you are perfectly happy with your V8 and will be keeping it because you love it (and not because, like me, you can't afford a V10) and how many have looked into having it remapped where apparently 440+ bhp and greater flexibility are possible?

Me too! I love the awesome balance of the V8 and I am off to Germany to try the ABT SC version, not because it's not fast enough but whats not to like about more torque and power, just want to try and see if that upsets the balance.

[smoothy]

The money's there to upgrade to a V10, don't want to spend it though, just for the sake of spending it. I'm really happy with the 8, if I want more power I'll probably add a S/C or TT

[Niall McMahon]

Yes, that would be awesome if you have the funds - would be a virtually perfect car.

Would still like to hear from someone who's had the basic remap to ascertain the difference it makes for not much money. At least the V8 is a **** sight quicker than the Aston Vantage V8 though - I can see that getting left at lights by hot hatches.

[r1lee]

My buddy kept on asking, why don't you just get the V10 instead of the V8.
My answer was, what can I do more in the v10 than a v8. His answer was, go faster (he owns a gallardo).

So I'm very happy with my v8 and don't care much for the v10. And I can do much better things with the $30K saved on it.

[Niall McMahon]

I think part of the problem with me is that this will be my first really expensive car and the idea of having a "PORSCHE" in the garage is something I never thought would happen. It's not badge snobbery, just the desire to own something I always lusted after as a kid. The GT3 is a hell of a car though, very taut and precise. The R8 is just nicer in every other way. Decisions, decisions...