Porsche 991

[AndrewM]

I had put a deposit down on a R8 V8, but now I'm having second thoughts. The reviews for the 991 are early, but several have quoted a Nürburgring laptime of 7:40 for the Carrera S. Gulp! That is an amazing time given the horsepower. The V10 R8 is at 7:44 and the V8 is at 8:04. The 991 gt3 is going to kill. Is the R8 going to be refreshed before the new model comes out in 2014?

The other thing I'm worried about is that because Porsche is supposed to be in charge of sports car development in the VW group, the R8 is going to suffer in the future. Any advice?

It is difficult because until you own a car you never know how it is going to drive. Although I have owned several Porches and a Ferrari 550, I've obviously never owned a R8.

[M3R8]

Are you going to be racing the car? Do you think you could do 7:40 in the Carrera S on the Nürburgring? If so, go for the Carrera S, or better yet, buy the new Nissan GTR.

What do you care if the R8 suffers in the future?

It's your first post, but sorry, I don't get it

To put your mind at ease, the R8 would drive like a dream compared to your old Porsches and Ferraris.

[AndrewM]

Ya, I will be taking the car to the track now and then. And I don't want the GTR because it is like playing a video game. It is very numb at anything less than 80 mph. It's a great car. I've played with one on the track (friend has one). But a GTR is not my thing. I also hate turbo engines. They all have lag, and that bothers me when I'm carving up canyons. Less of a problem on the track though.

[gazza1]

You have to decide what you are expecting..

The new Porsche looks a fabulous package in performance and handling and would be up there as one of the best main stream sports cars.

However I am just numbed to it as is the general population..as it has been around for soooooooo long.

If you are after the understated and that blends right in you can't go wrong.

If however you demand something that gives you everything a Porsche does in handling and performance but ALWAYS makes you look back after parking.. just to catch another look EVERY TIME... and puts a smile EVERY TIME..the R8 is for you.

It just IS that more special!

[wickedr8]

Well said M3R8 and gazza1, I totally agree.

ANDY

[Jessjandu]

Here is the answer for you.
I have owned 28 Porsches, mainly 911's. 14 BMW, 12 mercedes, 1 Bentey Continental GT
2 Ferrari 360's and 1 Ferrari 430 Spyder.
I now drive a V10 R8 Spyder. It is the best car I have ever owned or driven. I am sure that the new Carrera S is going to be awesome but will it be as good as the current or the next gen R8 ?

[SebringSilver]

Seriously, lap times don't mean a whole lot unless you can be sure that all variables are the same: driver experience, temperature, weather, tire selection, etc. I really wouldn't base my purchase decision on a lap time.

New 991 does look nice though, and should be a rare sight on the roads.....for about 2 weeks.

[M3R8]

A car's good lap times do not equal driving enjoyment on public roads with the same machine. And I'm sure the R8's total driving enjoyment factors surpass any 911 right now, even the new.

[Bob (CT)]

Having owned several 911 Porsches over the past 17 years, and having thought about the 991 as the next logical step, I decided on an R8 (V8). To be honest, I was growing a bit tired of the Porsche ride quality and there seems to be so many on the road these days. I expected the 991 to be faster than the R8 (V8) but trust me, the R8 is no slouch. The answer to your question depends on your priorities. If power as demonstrated on the track or 0 -60 / quarter mile is very important, then going with the 991 makes sense. The trouble is (for some) when Porsche refreshes the 991 three years hence and adds another 20 or 30 horsepower, you' may be disappointed with your ownership. If your priority is to drive a car that is more exclusive and considered an exotic, then the R8 is for you. If you're seeking a manual transmission and think rowing 7 gears in the 991 is a bit much, then the R8 is for you. If you want a better combination of ride quality and flatter cornering, then the R8 is for you. If you want to be the first with a new model, then perhaps the 991 is for you. In my case, I wanted a better ride quality while driving an exotic sports car. The added spaciousness of the R8 interior, in terms of the car's width and depth of the dashboard was an added bonus. Good luck. Don't think there is a wrong choice.

[ignomini]

New 991 does look nice though, and should be a rare sight on the roads.....for about 2 weeks.

Unless you live in the Santa Ynez Valley, which has already been overrun by 991 press cars. Admittedly, you have to know what you're looking at to tell it from a 997.

As others have said, what is it you really want in your car? Asking on this forum, you're talking to folks who are willing to sacrifice a little bit of raw performance for a refined driving experience and exclusivity.