Many reviews say the V8 is the track version to get, and I can see why! As someone who has ACTUALLY tracked the R8 V8, it has superb balance. The power is all usable, and the car is extremely forgiving while learning the line, and very quick out of the corners once you find the line. V10 is nose heavy, and considerably less forgiving (more prone to understeer close to the limit). I haven't tried the 991 yet (tracking one in a month in Vegas back to back with a 997 TT and a GTR), but I am very interesting how it will feel in comparison.

Very interested in a R8 V8 vs. 997 GTS vs. 991S vs. GTR discussion.....

 

Thanks for the link. Will enjoy my 991 for a couple of years, and then consider the R8 after the dual clutch transmission is available.

 

As far as the GT-R, I don't think this is the correct company to have in the same discussion (unless the only factor is price).

And I completely agree with your assessment of the balance of the R8. It was very 'Cayman' like to me. It moved exactly where I wanted it to, when I wanted it to. I love the way it handles. It just feels - right (very similar to the Cayman S experience I had last year).

 

Have you checked insurance cost? I think the R8 is one of the highest.

 

My quote was slightly higher than my 996 C2, and about 15% more than the GT-R. Overall, it wasn't really enough to factor in as an issue.

 

I expected to get murdered on insurance but surprisingly, whereas my 997 was $1500/yr here in NJ, the R8 was "only" $1700/yr. Insurance is a non-issue.

BTW, if anyone is interested, someone is selling a immaculate white/red leather '11 V10 6 speed spyder with 1900 miles for $150K obo on r8talk. If you can get that car in the 140's, it would be an awesome purchase. (no affiliation, just passing along what I read)

 

Just like some people have room presence, the R8 has it own presence.

Whenever I have taken it the past few months it is noticed BIG TIME.

In my 16 years of owning new 911 I have never experienced anything like this.

It is super on the road too.

With the top open it is very enjoyable on a nice partly cloudy day.

Looks wise IMO they are hard to beat.

Kudos to Audi.

 

Cabman4007... you aren't helping me....

VERY NICE CAR!!!

 

If I were you I would definitely go for the R8 V10 coupe or Spyder.

I thought I would never leave the Porsche brand but when I laid eyes on the V10 Spyder it was, "Porsche who?"

The P car is faster agreed but it has little razzle dazzle or street presence.

Wait till you get into a V10,,you will not believe the hoopla made everytime you leave the garage.

When I got my red 997 turbo I was so excited but after numerous trips to and fro the store, service stations, restaurants no one ever said ,, wiw, what a car. I got this, who makes that turbo VW? I said yeah sort of. The P cars get little respect.

The anthesis is the R8!!!! OMG, it mesmorizes most with it gorgeous looks.

Life is VERY short.

If possible and feasible buy it and you will be big time pleased.

PM me when you get it.

Don

 

Just a little different perspective here. The r8's platform is 5 years old, but the R8 platform (my definition - the tradeoff between handling and comfort) was superior over the 997 such that the 991 has caught up to the "old" R8 platform. Also, those who have visited the factory and have seen the facelifted R8 have stated that it is quite subtle - the big deal is under the skin - the double clutch transmission which required a thorough re-engineering of the R8's rear end underpinnings (but not the looks). As far as practicality, I agree, I consider the R8 (especially the spyder) a "selfish car" only fit for me, my wife and a weekends worth of luggage. Forget baby seats, golf clubs will fit (but then forget the wife!), no kids. But then again, very few R8 owners have this as their only vehicle. Each to their own - the 991 and the R8 are both great.

 

nice car! i have always loved the R8, but the thing is,
not all car owners want the constant attention you get by driving this thing.

 

the R8 has always been the better layout being midengined, but despite having 35 more hp, in terms of performance both, the 997S and the R8, were pretty evenly matched. the R8 is more comfortable and better balanced/less nervous than the 997S tho.
with the 991 the game has completely changed. as you know Porsche´s platforms do last 2 generations, the 996 and 997 were pretty much the same technically. so the 991 is like a step of 2 generations and clearly the benchmark again. that may change with the next gen. R8 in 2015.