Ready to part with my NSX and go to the next level.
Have a budget of 90-100k
My top 2 choices are Audi R8 V8, and 997 GT3 (probably 997.1)
I need advice from those that have owned/driven both


I do track my cars 4-5 times per year - HPDE
I like to DD the car as much as I can in decent weather
Would only consider a manual tranny at this point


I like the raw, visceral and involved feel of the car, but don't want to get beat up too badly on the way to work


The R8 seems more exotic and likely to get more attention
The GT3 has the reputation as a better drivers car, a purer machine


I wont be able to test drive either before purchase it seems


Which is more enjoyable to own and drive 6-8 k miles per year?

 

If you can't/don't want to afford the R8 V10, then GT3 without hesitation.

Why can't you drive them??

 

few exotics in this area especially this time of year
the dealers I buy from don't allow test drives without commitment to buy.
R8 very rare here
GT3 seems almost as rare


Ive owned 3 porsches but never a GT3
I have a better idea of what that's like
but never driven an R8
would like to hear the experiences from those that have had both

 

I found R8 V10 manual to have a slightly sloppy/light clutch and you have to like the clack of a gated manual. For some reason I enjoyed the gallardo manual more, though I assume they share many/all same parts.

I've always felt that Porsche (997 and earlier) to have superb manual transmissions. The GT3 is stiffer and more direct (a good thing).

I've never driven the V8 Audi. If you are going R8 the only choice is V10. That engine sounds fantastic and is not underpowered. If you just want looks, I suppose the R8, though I'm not honestly a big fan of the the styling.

BTW - any dealer who knows you are a true potential buyer will let you drive the car. I don't care where you live. Just demand to drive or walk - they'll let you take it for a spin. It's a used car anyway, what's the big deal.

Either will be a blast. Have fun.

 

I never drove an R8 but if you plan on tracking the car 4-5 times a year, GT3 is probably the best car in the world for it.

 

Thanks. I had a good relationship with an exotic dealer locally until our relationship soured over a Ferrari. Cant go back just cant. Now I have to search for cars further out which means test drives much more difficult to do.
Thanks for your help

 

I've owned 3 R8s, a multitude of Porsches and have driven the 997 GT3 on the street. If you want a track car the 997 GT3 is a far better choice. OTOH, the 997 GT3 ride is punishing on bad roads, the clutch is quite stiff compared to to the garden variety Carreras. If it is mostly for street driving, the R8 is a better choice. My current ride is a 2014 R8 V10 Plus (550 hp) with the dual clutch and it is a superb street car. But, looking at the cars you either drive or owned, I think you will be quite disappointed with the V8 version. Not becuase it isn't a good car, but your frame of reference is likely distorted by the GTR or 996 Turbo performance envelope. The R8 V8 is more akin to the 997 C2S, then it is to a GT3.

 

Agree, I could never "quick shift" my R8 manual transmission as I could in my 997.2 C2S with sport shifter. You have to be more deliberate (and slower) in your shifting of the R8 manual. The "clack" of the R8 gated shifter is fun for a while and will amuse your passengers. As much as I have been a manual guy, the new dual clutch on the R8 Plus is purely amazing and is now my preferred transmission on the R8.

 

Good advice above. The R8 is much heavier than the GT3, tracking it will wear out consumables much faster than the GT3, but your daily drive will be far nicer. As above, go w/ the V10, V8 is underpowered, if you go w/ the R8. Depending on the length of your commute and the traffic, the GT3 will wear you out.

 

I think you're right in the middle with your desires. 4-5 track days = GT3.......6-8k miles per year and DD ability=R8

I'm going to go on a limb and say you'll like the R8 better for your needs

 

Here's the basic question: Comfort or Rawness?

I've never driven the R8, but it is a far more daily drive-able car compared to the GT3. I was on the same boat about a month ago. I was looking at the R8 V10 vs GT3. As I have a daily driver that is comfortable, I wanted my weekend car to be more raw and fun. I don't regret my choice with the GT3...

 

If you can afford a 991GT3, buy that. It is much more comfortable for DD especially with PDK-S. The problem will be to find one but if you are persistent enough you can get one.

 

interesting how everyone prefers the V10 R8 over the V8
I get the bigger engine and more power, but ive read more than once that the V8 is more elastic and more fun to wring out. 0-60 for the V8 listed anywhere from 3.9 to 4.6. Is the V10 really that necessary?
Now I'm hearing that the GT3 is more raw and punishing as a DD. That may just be the deal breaker. I do love to drive my car as much as possible to work. Pummel it on highway ramps and take the long way home. Paddle shifters just don't excite me except when on the track. The newest 991 GT3 is intriguing, but I'm sure a test drive will be near impossible.

 

Agree that from all the press, the 991 GT3 looks to be amazing performance and a reasonable DD. Mine arrives in March I'll let you know

 

The R8/V10 I drove at Las Vegas Motor Speedway seemed to plow heavily going into turns, would understeer, and felt like it was tearing the front tires to shreds. My 2007 RS doesn't do any of the sort, and feels in another world better as far as feel in the front end is concerned. My guess is if you want to track a car, the GT3 is far better suited to it. I DD my RS and find it amazingly comfortable. Good luck with your search.