R8 V8 or 997.1 GT3? Need your input!

[bz888]

I'm really undecided at the moment. I'm tossing the coin between and R8 V8 or a 2007/8 997.1 GT3!

The car will be used for weekends and track days.

Tell me what you think? Which one would you choose and why?

[thezman]

In my opinion, if your going to track the car I would choose the GT3, it is much better set up for track use then the R8 "OUT OF THE BOX." The stock R8 is much more of an everyday sports car, (at least until the R8 Sport arrives), and matches up to the Porsche C4S. The GT3 on the other hand is set up OUT OF THE BOX as a Track Car that can be put on the roads but with some compromise. I have driven an 07 GT3 and it is stiffer than the R8 when the sport suspension is engaged and in 07 it is not adjustable to the best of my knowledge. Both great cars but for primary track use OUT OF THE BOX, I would point to the GT3.

[biggie27]

i agree the R8 is a better total package, where as the GT3 is a better track car, it will get better times on a track and will be more engaging to drive

[gazza1]

Bz888...knowing your preference for a sharper track tool from your past posts you must get the GT-3.

Just remember some of the improvements you kept looking for on the track with your last R8(less weight,more power,better brakes etc)

The GT-3 is pretty much right out of the box and gives better driver involvement.. plus it will be seconds quicker around QR and Lakeside than a R8.

Also if you get the GT-3 you at least will be able to see my GT-R tail lights on a lap

[harrison]

Would a modified Lotus make Gazza1 see tail lites in the twisties? \"/ After seeing the wrecked yellow Lotus (stock) in England recently,I don't think it is a very safe car to crash in. Both passenger and driver were killed. See wreckedexotics.com for a spine chilling pic.(if you dare)

[franki68]

Interesting,I am thinking of maybe the gt3 gen 2 as the next car.
I drove the gt3 mark 1 and would concur with what has been said.It is a more visceral experience and better suited to track work than the r8.The r8 is far more comfortable and civilised,but can be massively entertaining.
For weekend use I would plump for the gt3 as it is more exciting.

[Bodhii]

I'll throw my 2 cents into this discussion. These are my observations. I am not trying to be contentious and I am NOT trying to change anyone's mind. I'm just trying to answer BZ888's original question.

I am a long time Porsche guy. My main track car is still a Porsche. I have tracked several GT3's and a couple GT3 Cup cars.
I'll say this straight from my own experience:

The Audi R8 platform is superior to the Porsche 997 platform as a dedicated track car. Drive them both with the stability controls turned OFF, and you will feel it immediately.

Right out of the box, the Audi R8, is, without question, MORE track reliable than the Porsche GT3.

If you want to make a better dedicated track car, I would choose the R8 over the GT3. You will find better engine reliability, as well as better overall reliability with the R8. Strip the R8 down in weight, and maybe convert it to RWD. The superiority will then be very obvious. Also I believe the Audi 4.2L V8 dry sump engine is the better track engine.

I have well over 200 track hours on my R8. I know of NO GT3 that can come close to that without quite a few minor/ major maintenance issues. That's the truth! I drive hard. The R8 does not break! I am in Porsche race garages and around GT3 owner/drivers all of the time. I have my own modern Porsche track car!

Most race garages are VERY familiar with GT3's and not with the R8's. The R8 is still very much a new and evolving platform. The GT3 is pretty much at its final design limits now. The GT3 has a HUGE club following. You can find fellow GT3 track rats, enthusiasts, and buddies everywhere! There is a HUGE after-market performance parts selection for the GT3; Very small and expensive selection for the R8 and very few R8 track people.

Stripping a R8 down into a dedicated track machine is a NOT difficult project. Without its extra luxury weight of special electronics, sound proofing. and interior padding, the R8 would then also provide that similar full 'visceral race car experience' as is stated about the GT3.

My own R8 has extra HP modifications. Without the extra HP, or without serious weight loss, an OEM 4.2L R8 will be slower than a 997 GT3. With the extra HP, my own R8 does faster laps than every Porsche GT3 I have seen on a track. But my R8 does have a Weight/HP advantage.

Stock 4.2L R8 8.33 LBS/HP
Stock 997 GT3 7.40 LBS/HP
My modified 4.2L R8 6.25 LBS/HP

PS.. I think what is often described as the GT3's "more engaging driving experience", is mostly about the GT3's less balanced feel, poorer cornering, and less predictability.
When did this become a GOOD thing?

Really,.. BOTH of these cars are truly excellent track machines, and very enjoyable to track.

[conm]

Well said Bodhii, In particular the bit about the new evolving platform of the R8. BZ888 I guess it depends how dedicated you are to get the best out of the R8 platform.

[SDR8]

It would be great if Audi announced a ClubSport version of the R8. It would be a lot closer to what you are looking for in the R8 platform. I know there have been several threads about it. So there is hope. It would just be nice to see a real announcement and timeline.

[biggie27]

bodhii what have u had done to your r8 if u dont mind me asking im thinking of going that route now that the v10 deal went sour.......might as well turn it into a track car and enjoy it like that