2008 Audi R8 vs. 2009 Nissan GT-R: Buckets of Death

I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Thanks for providing us something different on a Friday afternoon! PS that top picture of the R8 is fantastic. I've flopped back and forth on the topic before, but without having driven either vehicle, I think I'd go for the R8. It exudes class.

Brilliant. This reminds me of some of the conversations we've had at the dealership standing outside waiting for someone to drive by... good heavens the things that come up in conversation...

I'm also interested to know how much you had to edit that to make it "family friendly"...

I had the privilege of driving a 1991 Acura NSX for about 6 months a few years back. Let me tell you, there's something to be said for a low driving position, a mid-mounted engine, a brilliantly composed chassis, and handling that doesn't depend on computers shuffling the power around. Not matter what corner attacked or what speed I was traveling at around said corner, the chassis and suspension just squatted and took it all in stride. You really REALLY had to go out of your way to upset the NSX's balance.

Now I'm all for electronic AWD systems and the magic they're capable of, but there's just something about a mid-engined, low, traditional super car that just feels so incredible. It's like driving an MX-5 Miata, you can feel the combination of traditional, wonderful, roadster driving dynamics and rock-solid engineering. And it all starts to make sense when you consider that many people view the R8 as the German, modern equivalent of the NSX, the every-day supercar with the traditional MR layout, big revvy power, coupled with "everyday" usability and reliability.

Anyone know what I mean?

spinchild:

This is exactly what makes driving the Mazda RX-8 fun. Yeah, its alot slower than the other cars in its class, but the 50-50 weight distribution and that low wide stance make it a blast to drive around corners. You have that high reving motor going and try as you might, you won't upset that chassis...

So yeah, I know exactly what you mean.

Definitely an unusual and entertaining post.

Excellent write up guys...totally different and entertianing. I have a GTR, and cancelled the R8 order,so I enjoy revisiting this debate.

IMO, the R8 hands down looks classier/more exotic and sounds better. Couldnt justify the performance for the price though.

what does "you're 1487" mean?

"Haha. Admit it, you're 1487."

Now that's funny.

Good stuff guys. Funny, and a nice look at the stream of consciousness give and take that goes on when discussing the merits of various autos.

I won't complain if there's more of this...

Perhaps I too should be become a caustic, overly opinionated jack-ass so that I can get mentioned in Edmunds text messaging conversations as well. Hmmm....

"Perhaps I too should be become a caustic, overly opinionated jack-ass so that I can get mentioned in Edmunds text messaging conversations as well. Hmmm...."

Thats easily done. All you need to have is a grudge against imports and then focus all your free time on bitching about it. Getting a couple of morons to agree with you will be an added advantage.

Since y'all like this format, next week I will post the IM conversation between Sadlier and I making fun of Mike's haircut.

Wow what a typical GT-R faiboi argument. I can sum all that up pretty quick...

Magrath: GT-R OWNS!!!!!!111one

Sadlier: ehhh...I donno...both cars are great but I favor the R8.

Magrath: NOOOOO!!!! UGHHHH GT-R IS SOOOOO MUCH BETTER, AND FASTER, AND SO WHAT IF IT'S BIG BECAUSE ITS AWESOMELY FAST!!!!!111

Sadlier: hmmm still not convinced, the I like the R8 better, it has better feel.

Magrath: U R DUMB

Sadlier: kthxbye

"Wow what a typical GT-R faiboi argument. I can sum all that up pretty quick...

Magrath: GT-R OWNS!!!!!!111one

Sadlier: ehhh...I donno...both cars are great but I favor the R8.

Magrath: NOOOOO!!!! UGHHHH GT-R IS SOOOOO MUCH BETTER, AND FASTER, AND SO WHAT IF IT'S BIG BECAUSE ITS AWESOMELY FAST!!!!!111

Sadlier: hmmm still not convinced, the I like the R8 better, it has better feel.

Magrath: U R DUMB

Sadlier: kthxbye"

Key difference between that and a normal fanboi argument: We've driven those cars. And not just in video games.

"GT-R IS SOOOOO MUCH BETTER, AND FASTER, AND SO WHAT IF IT'S BIG BECAUSE ITS AWESOMELY FAST!!!!!111" -- I'll stand by that statement. In fact, I will (and did) go so far as to say I like it more BECAUSE it's big. I don't like light cars.

-mike

LOL @ aerodax's comment!

Magrath: GT-R FTMFW!!!

Re: comments about 1487 and other domestic boosters - you have to understand, it does get really old when you get so many posts zeroing in on problems in domestics as proof that they such, and dismissing problems in Japanese cars as anomalies. There is a perception gap, and people naturally interpret things to match their preconceived notions. So when you hear people say things like "I would never buy a domestic car because they're all crap" sometimes you want to balance that out. To be fair, I get just as annoyed with the guys in the Camaro forum who just as blindly dismiss anything for being an import. So let's just drop this import or domestic fanboyness and just enjoy the cars without pre-judging them by stereotypes. Cool?

OK now back on topic - I love this post! I definitely want to see more like it. This is exactly why you can't just pick a car based on numbers on a paper or one review. There is so many subjective qualities that can make or break a car, and so many different priorities among individuals that there can't really be one "best" car. If there was, why would anyone buy any competing products? Man I'd love to work at Edmunds and have these types of conversations with my coworkers.

An enjoyable read. Thanks guys.

"Anyone know what I mean?"

Spin, I definately feel where youre coming from as I too have driven NSXs (3.0 and 3.2L) and have been a passenger in one of my wifes dental patients 360 Challenge Stradale. The natural balance these cars have is just so REAL. Dont get me wrong, the GTR seems to be an awesome all around performance machine but Ill take that super tactile, supereme, mechanical engineering experience over computer generated performance any day of the week. Slower or not, it just feels better.

Cars like the Porsche GT3/GT3RS, Honda NSX-R, 360 Challenge Stradale, F430 Scuderia, Honda S2000CR, and the ///M cars (to name a few) just have certain (rare) characteristics that other performance cars just dont have. Its a super tactile, super raw yet super refined experience that computers just cant duplicate. However, I will say that it seems the GTRs electronics are well integrated.

The cars I listed above are geared toward PURE DRIVERS who want the most involved, connected experience possible. No disrespect to the GTR but Id rather drive than be driven.

Spooky? Oh come on, the Z06 only wants to kill you a little bit. What are you worried about?

I've actually heard about this "spooky at the limit" comment before by other publications about the C6 Z06, and I'm somewhat perplexed as to why it behaves that way, when the base model C6 Corvette, and the ZR-1, do not. More importantly, the C5 Z06 like I have does not have this attribute either, and in fact was frequently praised by publications for it's predictable, forgiving, catchable nature at the limit, which are qualities that I can definitely attest to first hand.

So what happened here? Suspension design and geometry are similar between the C5 and C6 Z06's, weight and balance are similar. The only things I can think of are the tires (the C6 Z06's runflat tires I've heard are nearly horrible), sway bar settings, or shock dampening.

"Perhaps I too should be become a caustic, overly opinionated jack-ass so that I can get mentioned in Edmunds text messaging conversations as well. Hmmm...."

Keep posting stupid stuff like that and you likely wont.

stov1,

You are asking way too much of the import fanboys here. Objectivity? Who needs that? There are only two categories according to these people. Head in the sand pro import fanatics who cant stand anything with a domestic badge OR stupid people who don't agree with them. No gray area. If you don't think the Accord is the greatest four door car sold for less than $40k you are by default a "moron" to quote my man ACE47 who is well known for his intellect and wit. Of course he just displayed a flash of his maturity and brilliance by offering an unfunny crack about someone who hadn't even posted here while simultaneously insulting anyone who has ever agreed with this "jack ass".

Yes, we all know how fair and just you are 1487. Unfunny?! You are probably shaking in anger and wiping your eyes in your pink handkerchief just by reading it. So yeah, it is pretty funny.

Hey man, don't get upset. I mean, I pay as much attention to you as I would to a bug, even less.

Your name popped up and I thought it would be rude not to say something. I was trying to help out crowb to get his name mentioned.

Note- the difference between a domestic lover like yourself and an import fan, if you really insist on calling me that, is that I only write comments on pages where domestic lovers, mostly you come up wih bullshit reasons, beginning a domestic verses import fued. Except for this one, I just couldn't resist. You and others of your kind come up with, "GT is a supercar, Nissan is not. Nissan GT-R has no soul, Vettes have plenty (even though you have never driven either). A Caddy has better reliability than a Toyota. Hondas are ugly, a square, no design CTS is a far better looking car."

So spare me your wrath for saying what you are, ie, full of it. Or go ahead with your rampage. Like I said, I'd have better things to do, like driving my car, a real one, not the imaginary ones you have.

ace47- you are a moron. I couldn't resist stating that fact. You cannot read or comprehend subject matter discussed which results in you categorizing opinions in two overly simplied groupings. Here's a helpful tip: if the discussion is "over your heard" just refrain from making idiotic statements. Everyone will respect you more and won't think of you as such a misfit.

Your cracks are not even remotely funny and come off as childish and moronic. I cannot remember the last time you've even presented a solid profound point. All you do is piggyback off the posts of other intelligent IL users trying to get props from your cohorts who largely ignore you.

Anyway- I find it midly distrubing that 1487 is a topic of discussion between IL staffers.

back on topic-

I saw my first GT-R over the weekend. The exhaust sound was very juvenile and artificial and unfitting of a "supercar." The car comes off as the senior version of an Evo or STi and that's not good in my opinion. It screams "rice" and I don't think any Porsche or R8 owners would feel like they wasted their money if they didn't get the bargain priced GT-R.

I also saw a ZR1, two Z06s, a 612 Scag, 911 Turbo, 911 C4S, Boxter S and a V8 Vantage. They all had a presence that the GT-R lacked and all sounded infintely better even at slow city speeds. If I had to have a sports car and couldn't muster up $150k for the one I wanted, I think I'd just get a C6 Vette or used Porsche 911 instead of the GT-R and save the rest of the cash.

ACE:

Seriously, how old are you? I really want to know. You cant be over 20.

"Note- the difference between a domestic lover like yourself and an import fan, if you really insist on calling me that, is that I only write comments on pages where domestic lovers, mostly you come up wih bullshit reasons, beginning a domestic verses import fued. Except for this one, I just couldn't resist. You and others of your kind come up with, "GT is a supercar, Nissan is not. Nissan GT-R has no soul, Vettes have plenty (even though you have never driven either). A Caddy has better reliability than a Toyota. Hondas are ugly, a square, no design CTS is a far better looking car."

That entire paragraph made no sense. I dare you to find any concrete examples of "bias" on my part with regards to your beloved Honda and Nissan products. With the exception of comments about styling I stick to the facts. You find me a quote where I stated anything close to "Caddy has better reliability than Toyota" and I will disappear forever. As with most intellectually challenged posters you are drunk on hyperbole because you have trouble finding any basis for your criticisms. You can annoint yourself as some sort of idealogical counterweight to my positions but you'd better up your game if you plan to do so. You are going to have to get a lot smarter if you want to be seen as a credible opponent of my viewpoints. As things stand now this is really no contest because your statements are so poorly thought out and illogical.

1487 - I know you are but what am I?

Sorry, had to do it. As much as I want to get this discussion back on track, I have to agree with 1487. Honestly children, let's show just 'a little' class here.

I just wish I had the money to drive either of these fine machines. Instead I'm stuck with my SUV. Uh-oh, did I just open the door to bash SUV drivers?

But from my standpoint - which is minimal - if both of these cars pulled up next to me, I feel I'd be staring at the R8 a lot longer. The new GT-R just looks too much like the R34, whereas the R8 looks like nothing I've ever seen.

My humble opinion.

1487,

how dare you even mention someone's age when your arguments haven't made sense since you started posting on this forum? It's no secret you don't know how to argue and always try to spin the conversation. Oh and please please please dare me to prove what I just said with actual excerpts from your previous posts under condition that if I do you will leave this forum forever. Please.

all you people here talk about how an honest simple mechanical engineering triumphs over and feels better than an electronically stuffed frame. Well I got a question for you: how come this rock solid engineering costs more than 30 grand more than the latest in automotive technology?

GTR beats R8 on all fronts. I won't be surprised if the japanese admit they simply built it to beat every other car in its class in terms of track performance. That would be a good enough reason to get it over R8.

Besides, are you really that naive and think that the audi has fewer electronic systems that assist driving and other aspects of the car than the GTR?

Ah, chavis. The man who gets angry when I say something about 1487. Again one of the limited word in your vocabulary, misfit.

"I saw my first GT-R over the weekend. The exhaust sound was very juvenile and artificial and unfitting of a "supercar." The car comes off as the senior version of an Evo or STi and that's not good in my opinion. It screams "rice" and I don't think any Porsche or R8 owners would feel like they wasted their money if they didn't get the bargain priced GT-R."

Yes, because we all know supercars are judged by their exhaust notes, not their performance. Ever actually driven a GT-R? Or any car with over 140hp? You are talking about wasting thousands of dollars of money on exhaust sounds. That is the typical view of people who can't even afford a decent daily ride. And who cares what you think dumbass? People are buying the GT-R in the same way that they are buying Porches and such, because it appeals to them.

"I couldn't resist stating that fact. You cannot read or comprehend subject matter discussed which results in you categorizing opinions in two overly simplied groupings. Here's a helpful tip: if the discussion is "over your heard" just refrain from making idiotic statements. Everyone will respect you more and won't think of you as such a misfit."

Please take your own advise.

"I cannot remember the last time you've even presented a solid profound point."

Do you write your comments in your dreams? That would be the only way you can actually think your own points are intelligent. Either that or you are a retard. Iam leaning towards the latter.

no.1 of your profound solid statement."The car comes off as the senior version of an Evo or STi and that's not good in my opinion."

Question for you. Whats are the similairties between an EVO, a STI and A GT-R? Answer- chavis, the 10th idiot.

"ACE:Seriously, how old are you? I really want to know. You cant be over 20."

How old are you? Oh wait, Iam not interested. What car does a fine guy with a degree such as yourself drive? No wait, again Iam not interested, its probably some junk.

"That entire paragraph made no sense. I dare you to find any concrete examples of "bias" on my part with regards to your beloved Honda and Nissan products. With the exception of comments about styling I stick to the facts. You find me a quote where I stated anything close to "Caddy has better reliability than Toyota" and I will disappear forever. As with most intellectually challenged posters you are drunk on hyperbole because you have trouble finding any basis for your criticisms. You can annoint yourself as some sort of idealogical counterweight to my positions but you'd better up your game if you plan to do so. You are going to have to get a lot smarter if you want to be seen as a credible opponent of my viewpoints. As things stand now this is really no contest because your statements are so poorly thought out and illogical."

"You and others of your kind come up with." Read that again, you moron. It doesn't mean you said the exact things but something along the lines. Degree? That seems funny, you probably flunked high school. Rest assured however, if there ever was a degree for stupidity and hypocrisy, you'll be the first to recieve it.

Iam gonna have to be a lot smarter? LOL. If I donated you half my brain, I would still be a lot smarter because the rotten sponge that is your brain would creep over the half that I donated, making you twice as stupid and I don't think thats possible.

"Anyway- I find it midly distrubing that 1487 is a topic of discussion between IL staffers. "

haha

"how dare you even mention someone's age when your arguments haven't made sense since you started posting on this forum? "

That has to be the funniest thing I have read. because I dont suscribe to your outdated and jaded views of the automotive world suddenly I dont make sense? Spare me. Automobile mag thinks I make sense- my letter is in the current issue. Get a clue.

ACE,

I just cant compete. You are too smart and too witty. I do see why you have such a huge following here after carefully reading your crafty arguments. Ever consider running for office?

"Iam gonna have to be a lot smarter? LOL. If I donated you half my brain, I would still be a lot smarter because the rotten sponge that is your brain would creep over the half that I donated, making you twice as stupid and I don't think thats possible."

I cannot possible come back from that devastating blow. I retire.

Can someone point me to the R8 vs. GT-R discussion?

"I cannot possible come back from that devastating blow. I retire."

You'll probably come back after a couple of months and write something that you thought of just to feel better. Well good luck with that.

Following- sorry but I don't use the internet to be liked, I have enough friends for that in real life. You might try making a few.

PS. didn't automobile select the GT-R as supercar of the year? Bet that one left you crying.