I love my 997S have owned it almost 7 years and racked up 86,000 great miles. I think I will be selling it in the next 12-16 months as I approach 100k miles.

Options to replace with are

997.2 C4S - 6 speed (One of my favorite 911's)

Or

Audi R8 6 speed (most likely the V8)

This will not be for the track - mainly a daily driver, dates with the wife and something I can stare at in the garage with my morning coffee. I love the lines of the R8 as much as I love the lines of the 997. I have the new Shelby GT350 for track use so track ability is less of a factor.


Thoughts or experience?

 

R8

 

997 GTS 6 speed!

 

I've only driven an R8 once, and it was the V10 version with an automatic transmission. It was horrible. It was the worst transmission that I have ever experienced in a performance car. I think you are smart to consider the manual transmission.

Have you driven the R8? It feels very dated to me compared to a 997.2. The looks are not bad, but they aren't for everyone. I think the side blades ruin the lines of the car.

On the positive side, it's a bit more exotic than a 911 and the engine sounds wonderful.

Given the choice, I'd take a newer 997. It's your choice though; get what you like.

 

Variety is the spice of life. You've had a 997, try the Audi. If you don't like it, you can get back into a Porsche...T

 

The R8 is a beautiful car. If you end up getting one, make sure you get it with that glorious open gate manual.

I'd be curious to know about the steering feel of the Audi specially compared to the 997 which IMO is absolutely fantastic. My previous car was a TT RS and the complete absence of steering feel was my number one complaint. It felt like it wasn't connected to anything.

 

R8 definitely more exotic. More looks, racing, questions, etc. Not a bad thing per se but I get it enough in a nearly 10 year old 911 I personally like wouldnt appreciate it in a daily driver.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Test drive the R8 and see if it still pulls at your strings. You know how the 997.2 drives, feels, etc for the most part.

Either way, good cars.

 

I drove the R8 V10 spyder through Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas and I have to agree that the transmission was really annoying. It tries to be a manual so the car is jerky for no reason. The AWD was nice but the ride was not as engaging as driving a 997 C2. I found the car to be very comfortable but it lacked the thrill I get every time I sit inside my 997. My wife was with me and she didn't think the R8 was anything special. Don't get me wrong, the ride quality was good and the acceleration was good but definitely no 911. I wished I was in my 911 when I was ripping through those canyon roads.

 

I owned an R8 RTronic for five years. It was an amazing car, and while the comments of those that drive it for the first (or tenth) time are accurate regarding the clumsy, single-clutch automated-manual transmission (actually the e-gear out of the then lambo), it can be driven very smoothly by treating the right pedal as you would with a full manual. Still, now that I'm back in a manual, I hope to never drive anything without the third pedal - slower for sure but definitely more engaging.

The R8 is a wonderful car. Handling is brilliant and typical of a true mid-engine configuration. The looks aren't for everyone, but you need to be ready for a lot more attention - 5X the 997. For me, I'm happy to be back in a Porsche, and I'm loving the 997. Finally, nice 'problem' you've got :-)

 

Hows the cost of ownership compared to 911? How reliable can one expect an R8 to as well?

 

Looked at the R8 as well as the 997. Didn't get far on the R8 since Pam's first question was "Where do the dogs go?"

After that, 997 acceptance from my better half was a breeze!!!

I don't think you can go wrong, but I vote for you to hang around here.

 

r8 much more dramatic to look at, very tractable/comfortable for dd, but cargo space, if u need it, is very compromised, much more so than a 997

steering feel in r8 quite numb compared to 997

 

What a great dilemma to be in...GT350 for track, 997.2 or R8 for daily. I'd say drive both, and if you're still undecided, go with the R8. You can always come back to the 911 once you're bored or start hating the R8.

 

My only R8 experience is the nasty sound they make at VIR. I could get use that sound every day.

On a side note.......what are your continued impressions of the GT350. My Ford dealer wants me to order one even if I dont take it, man they are neat cars but I expect them to come down in price dramatically soon.

 

Good impressions here so far appreciate the insight gents - both are great options leaning towards the R8 like you said why not change it up and can always get back into the 997 (and likely will).

OT - One poster asked about the GT350. I own the Track Pack and all I can say is the car is as good as they say. I've put just over 9,000 miles on the odo in just 6 months - I can't stay out of the driver's seat. Yes it's just a Ford but the specs are there with cars 3X the price - the flat plane crank V8 is outrageous, handling is superb and when you factor in the MSRP of 57k, it's really tough to pass up. The sound alone is something people will speak about for years to come I think. If you have a chance to grab one and not pay a ridicolous ADM - I say do it and track the hell out of it.

There's a GT350 thread in the 991 GT3 section with over 94 pages of comments- plenty of info there a lot of those guys have ordered one.