I love my 991, but I think the back end of the R8 is one of the most beautiful things ever created by man. I orginially was planning on buying a used 911 with a budget of 80K (not in R8 range). I then made the decision to buy new and pulled the trigger very quickly. I realized afterwards that for around 120K, I was now in the price range of a used R8 (with V8 engine), and now I wonder if I made a mistake by not buying my dream car (I have never driven an R8 to know if I would like it). Anyone cross shop the R8 and decide on the Porsche? What are all the reasons to not buy an R8....

 

take a look at this from a few years back...R8 v8 is a great (and sexy as hell) car but if the 997S gave it a run, you'll be way behind the performance curve vs the 991.

Depends on why you're buying...now a R8 V10 - different ball game

 

Back to when I had my S4 -not long ago- an R8 really was my dream car too.
For 120K, you could even have bought a new 'base' R8 4.2 and make your dream come true

I'll be honest, I have never driven an R8. Nevertheless, I find a bunch of good reason to go for the 991S:
-the 991S is faster than the R8 V8
-new model vs. end of life model
-an 'all time classic' vs. what could be a shorter lived piece of tech
-a bit more understated usable daily driver
-because it is a Porsche. Period.
-because with the 4.2 V8 you would always be frustrated not to have the 5.2 V10
-and many more

Now is not the time for regrets, it is the time to enjoy the fabulous car you have bought.

 

Yep I say drive it like ya stole it!!

 

After owning Porsche for decades, I was bitten by the R8 bug. Instead of the 991S I had intended to buy, I opted for a R8 V10 spyder. With the current R8 at the end of its run and the tough economy, the dealers are seriously ready to deal. My manual transmission '11 R8 stickered at 175K and I was able to get it for the mid 150's (it was a new car off the showroom floor and I bought it at the end of the model year) . Considering the overall driving experience, I consider it a big bargain at that price. I view the R8 as a daily driver exotic. The R8 spyder is one of those rare cabs that look great with the top up or down and the driving experience is just sublime. The spyder's chassis is quite rigid and there is virtually no cowl shake. Driving a R8 is a very different experience than driving a Porsche - much attention and you make alot of new friends. From a performance perspective, a 997 turbo S will cream the v10 and I'm sure that a 991S will do the same to the R8 V8, so if ultimate track performance is your game, you can do better than the R8. But for the overall driving experience (handling, brakes, steering feel, manual transmission, comfort, engine/exhaust sounds) on the street, I've never enjoyed a car more than the R8.

 

Thanks for your post Alan. With the class warfare being waged by certain politicians, I don't like sticking out with an obvious "supercar." That is one of the things I like about the 911. There are enough of them out there that I feel like I can sneak by without getting noticed too much. I also do like the back seat, and found the new 991 has room for a teenager in the back now. But, when I trade it in in 2-3 years, the R8 will definitely be on my short list!

 

I was worried about the "class warfare" issue myself, but after 3 months and 3K miles in the V10 spyder, all I've gotten are thumbs up, smiles and lots of kids tailgating me taking pictures with their cell phones. Part of the reason for that may be because I'm on the older side and so the jealousy part may not be significant.

Now I'll tell you what's wrong with the R8:

too much weight - 525 hp sounds great but I doubt that my V10 6 speed is that much faster than a 991S PDK. The R8 flies above 5000 RPM (8700 RPM red line) but with torque around 390 lb/ft, you know it isn't going to be a drag monster. (on another subject - I had a ride in a GTR Alpha 9 yesterday. I have never felt anything so brutally fast and so planted in the corners. My neck still hurts from the G-forces. My opinion of the GTR is forever altered. And then there's the Alpha 12, lol)

R8 gas mileage is pretty awful- no more than mid-teens generally - the V8 is a little better

interior is high quality, but design is not that inspiring considering the inspired exterior

I have a feeling that the comfort level of the 991S either approaches or exceeds that of the R8. Probably part of why some folks don't like the 991S as much as our earlier Porsches. We miss that slightly nervous, twitchy communication with the road.

Enjoy your 991S - you did good

 

Nice, was just going to say where is Alan to add his input. Thanks

 

have driven both. if it was the R8 V10 you were thinking of it would have been a different story but the V8 is just no match for the 991S, as far as performance, capability is concerned and don`t ge me started about the usability and practicality.
the 991 is a bit more comfortable (and much more luxurious) as well.
the R8`s platform is 5 years old, the 991 is brand new and you can feel that.
looks are subjective. i think the new 991 is the best looking 911 since..i don`t know, even 911 hater Clarkson thinks it´s good looking.
the R8 is gorgeous in my view, but the facelift is just around the corner and after that the current generation will look more or less dated.
991S all the way this time!

 

I have also considered the R8 V10 over a 991 and I find that it makes me compromise my lifestyle too much:

1) Can't drive out of my underground garage without hassle.
2) Can't park everywhere.
3) Clients might notice me a little too much now.
4) Where do I put my golf clubs.
5) Absolutely no chance to place a baby seat anywhere.
6) Interior is a little blah for such a nice exterior car.

I think its a great addition to the garage but not sure its a good replacement for the flexibility of a 991 as a DD.

 

My wife and I have placed the R8 at the top of the list. She doesn't care about speed that much, so the V8 should be plenty. I would not compare the R8 V8 to a GT-R or 997 Turbo - completely different class of performance. We prefer the looks, handling, and overall feel of the R8. Her only issues are ride height, storage, and seating. The GT-R has her a little spoiled with being able to see, have the ability to go grocery shopping, and tote a child or two around on these errands. The 991 would be able to meet most of her criteria.

All that being said - we LOVE the R8, and prefer it over the C2/C2S. As far as a preference - we prefer dual clutches, not the R-tronic auto (6sp is out of the question for her, those days are behind us - knee/foot issues). If/when the R8 comes in dual clutch, it will become a no-brainer.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by SM_ATL
Now is not the time for regrets, it is the time to enjoy the fabulous car you have bought.

__________________exactly. the facelifted V8 will feature 450 HP and for the first time a dual clutch tranny, instead of the R-tronic.

here is confirmation:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/262262/

so enjoy and drive the 991 like it is meant to be and maybe consider a V8 FL (with more HP and a dul clutch tranny) in a few years!

 

Agreed with everyone here.

R8 V10 great for look, street and track driving.

R8 V8 for the look only.

 

I'm convinced. Saving my pennies now. Will discuss with wife.

(I recall discussing rumor, didn't know this was verified)

 

i was thinking about opening a new thread but now you know it!