R8 vs. 997
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,042
Likes: 31
From: Beautiful North Carolina
Thanks for the report! I'm sure you expected some hate here on a Porsche forum, but I'll try to apologize for my fellow Rennlisters who refuse to acknowledge that there might be an alternative sports car for some people.
I briefly considered an R8 before buying the 997, but I couldn't find a used one anywhere in my part of the country and my local dealer wasn't enthusiastic (i.e. "no") on a test drive on a new one. I didn't push them on it because I really didn't want to buy new and that wouldn't be right to deceive them into thinking that I would, just to put miles on their new car. The only way that most folks like me, who don't live in LA or Miami or Monte Carlo, are going to learn about these cars is from folks like you.
Please keep us posted as time goes by and you get more miles and hopefully more smiles with the Audi.
I briefly considered an R8 before buying the 997, but I couldn't find a used one anywhere in my part of the country and my local dealer wasn't enthusiastic (i.e. "no") on a test drive on a new one. I didn't push them on it because I really didn't want to buy new and that wouldn't be right to deceive them into thinking that I would, just to put miles on their new car. The only way that most folks like me, who don't live in LA or Miami or Monte Carlo, are going to learn about these cars is from folks like you.
Please keep us posted as time goes by and you get more miles and hopefully more smiles with the Audi.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,043
Likes: 84
From: Chesapeake, VA
Might have just been the angle of that first photo; the R8 Spyder is a beautiful car. The R8 Spyder GT even moreso.
Might just be a regional thing, but Porsches of any kind are rare in my area. I average seeing maybe one Porsche of any flavor once or twice a week. Seen more Lamborghini Gallardos and V10 R8 Spyders in the wild than 997 Turbos, too (2 vs 1 vs 0).
Might just be a regional thing, but Porsches of any kind are rare in my area. I average seeing maybe one Porsche of any flavor once or twice a week. Seen more Lamborghini Gallardos and V10 R8 Spyders in the wild than 997 Turbos, too (2 vs 1 vs 0).
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 39
From: Downers Grove, Illinois
Great looking car and nice writeup. I think your wrong on the R8 being more practical.
That said, can't imagine a better value proposition than the R8. Its a halo car for audi and I reckon they lose lots of money on the car. Serves the badge well.
Wonder how the 991 stacks up to the R8.
That said, can't imagine a better value proposition than the R8. Its a halo car for audi and I reckon they lose lots of money on the car. Serves the badge well.
Wonder how the 991 stacks up to the R8.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 488
From: Ny
Very nice car! I don't think there're many gear heads that don't like the R8.
Thanks for posting your impressions between the 2. This is valuable for people that haven't driven one and are considering it in the future.
But,when it comes to a 911 I think it's more about the iconic shape and its massive history than any affection to the Porsche brand. I'm sorry but a 911 is a special car and the R8 will take some time to achieve that status...
Nevertheless I think you '' blew it '' when you've mentioned how much attention the R8 is getting... Personally, '' the attention factor '' means absolutely ZERO to me when buying a sports car! I do not care one bit what other people think or how they react. Otherwise I would've gone full blown Ferrari or Lamborghini...
For me it's all about the feel,the experience of driving,the fun factor and reliability.
Anyway,enjoy it in good health,it is a great looking car!
Thanks for posting your impressions between the 2. This is valuable for people that haven't driven one and are considering it in the future.
But,when it comes to a 911 I think it's more about the iconic shape and its massive history than any affection to the Porsche brand. I'm sorry but a 911 is a special car and the R8 will take some time to achieve that status...
Nevertheless I think you '' blew it '' when you've mentioned how much attention the R8 is getting... Personally, '' the attention factor '' means absolutely ZERO to me when buying a sports car! I do not care one bit what other people think or how they react. Otherwise I would've gone full blown Ferrari or Lamborghini...
For me it's all about the feel,the experience of driving,the fun factor and reliability.
Anyway,enjoy it in good health,it is a great looking car!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 748
Likes: 2
From: PA & FL - '12 Carrera GTS
Interesting. I haven't really heard of any problems like that yet but it will be interesting to discover if it's still a problem.
One of the reasons I went Audi over the Gallardo was because of the reliability and serviceability. It's also classier in my eyes.
But I'll update this at some time if it's true.
I'm told the R8 is a bulletproof much like the 911 and it can take days on end at the track and will smile and keep on humming. Let's hope it's true.
One of the reasons I went Audi over the Gallardo was because of the reliability and serviceability. It's also classier in my eyes.
But I'll update this at some time if it's true.
I'm told the R8 is a bulletproof much like the 911 and it can take days on end at the track and will smile and keep on humming. Let's hope it's true.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 748
Likes: 2
From: PA & FL - '12 Carrera GTS
They are stickered over $165k. Mine was MSRP'd at $177k. But somehow, I was in the market at the exact right place at the exact right time.
Audi didn't make a 2013 for the R8 cause they were implementing the S-tronic on the auto's. At the very end of the R8 run, they made a big batch of Suzuka Grey's that were 2012 model year but delivered at the very end of 2012 and into the beginning of 2013.
For about a 2-3 week window, Audi of America was subsidizing loses with the dealerships to move inventory to make room for the 2014. I was following the market very closely and learned of a buyer (on a R8 forum) that got an insane deal. I took those numbers to every dealer who had a R8 V10 Spyder, manual transmission in the country and found one who was willing to match it.
- So, not only did I get some free factory upgrades like special paint and deviated stitching, I also got nearly $36k off MSRP and about $10k below dealer cost including trunk money. -- Right place, right time.
I'm not knocking the 911. Have loved it forever. I'm just so impressed with what Audi has done to this car especially considering it's the first generation.
It's a really impressive alternative to a Turbo or the V8 to the GTS, etc. especially considering the new Turbo is based at $150k.
Audi didn't make a 2013 for the R8 cause they were implementing the S-tronic on the auto's. At the very end of the R8 run, they made a big batch of Suzuka Grey's that were 2012 model year but delivered at the very end of 2012 and into the beginning of 2013.
For about a 2-3 week window, Audi of America was subsidizing loses with the dealerships to move inventory to make room for the 2014. I was following the market very closely and learned of a buyer (on a R8 forum) that got an insane deal. I took those numbers to every dealer who had a R8 V10 Spyder, manual transmission in the country and found one who was willing to match it.
- So, not only did I get some free factory upgrades like special paint and deviated stitching, I also got nearly $36k off MSRP and about $10k below dealer cost including trunk money. -- Right place, right time.
I'm not knocking the 911. Have loved it forever. I'm just so impressed with what Audi has done to this car especially considering it's the first generation.
It's a really impressive alternative to a Turbo or the V8 to the GTS, etc. especially considering the new Turbo is based at $150k.
I had our S4 in for service and to swap the winter set for the summer set of wheels/tires. An R8 pulled up next to me that was also in for service, and driven by a very good looking woman probably in her 40's. She was having her summer set of wheels/tires put on as well. Turns out, the R8 is her daily driver and she drives it all year round primarily in the WDC area.
She laughed when she saw me wince when she told me that, but said she loves driving the car so much that she doesn't want to drive anything else.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,343
Likes: 1,368
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
More practical? Hmmm... Don't know if I agree with your police work there Norm (Fargo).
Yes - nice car for sure but what are you doing over here in a Porsche 997 Forum? I think you're lonely! The Porsche community rocks, doesn't it? You'll be back in a soulful Mezger before you know it.
Yes - nice car for sure but what are you doing over here in a Porsche 997 Forum? I think you're lonely! The Porsche community rocks, doesn't it? You'll be back in a soulful Mezger before you know it.
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Race Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 625
From: Taxronto
I'm a NSX guy having owned 3 in the past so for me the R8 is the modern NSX (supercar that can be used everyday). When I was fortunate enough to take the R8 for a blast along Dubai's "Police'-less" highways I leaped at it. Fell in love immediately with its handling and feel.
When I'm done my MBA and have increased earning potential the V8 R8 is definitely on my list of the "next car" to have. Used prices are reasonable so hopefully I can be in one soon.
Love the write-up and the R8 spyder. Enjoy!
Here's a few photos of when the R8 first appeared with my first NSX...CAR Magazine did a comparison of the new R8 and my NSX:
When I'm done my MBA and have increased earning potential the V8 R8 is definitely on my list of the "next car" to have. Used prices are reasonable so hopefully I can be in one soon.
Love the write-up and the R8 spyder. Enjoy!
Here's a few photos of when the R8 first appeared with my first NSX...CAR Magazine did a comparison of the new R8 and my NSX:
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 35
From: Semiahmoo/Blaine, Wa
I've loved the R8 since it was first released, and I still admire them when I see one on the road, particularly black coupes. The most important shortcoming, to me, is the lack of storage space, making it virtually impossible to take on nice long road trips, which are one of my favorite ways to enjoy my C2S cab.
Thanks for the detailed insights of owning an R8.
Thanks for the detailed insights of owning an R8.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach, CA
R8 is a real head-turner. I see twice as many Ferrari 430's as I do R8s. The last time I had my 997 in for service at Circle Porsche Long Beach (October 2011), an R8-10 pulled in to the dealership. Audi dealership is right next door (probably same owner). All the Porsche dealership employees ran out to ohh and ahh the car. I did, too. It looked and sounded awesome. This was a coupe (which I prefer to cab).
Too conspicuous for me as a DD, but I'd love to "try one on" for a few months to see how it fits. Currently, it is the car I am going to turn my head most often for....that is a compliment here in SoCal.
I remember you from way back on the 993 board with Todd Serota, Viken and Ray Calvo! You are a certified car nut! Congrats on an awesome car!
Too conspicuous for me as a DD, but I'd love to "try one on" for a few months to see how it fits. Currently, it is the car I am going to turn my head most often for....that is a compliment here in SoCal.
I remember you from way back on the 993 board with Todd Serota, Viken and Ray Calvo! You are a certified car nut! Congrats on an awesome car!