Posted this on the GTR forum, but be good to get your input too!
I am in the market for a new car after owning the usual suspect Jap metal for over ten years (Evos, Scoobs, VR4s etc).
As my car and driving experience has grown, so have my car needs and expectations. Initially I enjoyed a car that was a fast and capable as possible (for the money), and loved the AWD unshakable abilities of the Evo/Scoob etc. Once I got used to them, I started modding to get my thrills and the quest began for more power, even more unshakable grip and better handling. As I have matured, I've begun to appreciate the little delicacies of driving, and am starting to appreciate lighter weight, agility, feel, and noise as much as outright power, so those cars have become less fulfilling in my quest for driving Nirvanna.
I always assumed that the GTR would be my next step, but after driving one for 30 mins I'm not sure. This is where I need your help. After my initial, albeit short drive, I came away incredibly impressed with the car's abilities, power and poise, as the car felt literally effortless and invincible, but in that time the car didn't get under my skin like I'd hoped. I will use the car predominantly as a road car, so would unlikely be able to properly test its limits on the road, and I'm wondering if therein lies the problem is the GTR too good?
I'm an ok driver, but recognise that I'm no pro, and so for my abilities I felt almost that driving the GTR fast was too effortless and easy, too unchallenging? I have no doubt that the car is thrilling to drive, but I am worried that the thrill comes from the sheer speed that the car is able to achieve as opposed to the more intricate elements that define a great driver's car. What I want to know is if you think I will get bored of the car, and end up going back down the endless road of tuning to get my thrills, or if the GTR has the inherent qualities beyond sheer speed that will make every drive a pleasure?
As an alternative I am also considering a 997.2 GT3, which I have also driven. Immediately after the GTR the car feels slower, but during the short test drive, it did seem to deliver more of a visceral, tactile driving experience which the GTR lacked initially. The manual shift, the lack of mass, the high revving engine, low seating position and much smaller, chuckable feel of the car all served to be very rewarding, and all the write-ups say that it's something that you'll never tire of. It also felt more of a challenge to drive fast, and a little intimidating with the threat of that rear end waiting to bite - but that in itself was rewarding. Also, the GT3 felt more fun, more of the time even when driving within the speed limit and at lower speeds, which was nice. Is the GTR only fun when you're breaking the law? At the same time, after the GTR, once I got used to a GT3, would the GT3 end up feeling too slow and gutless?
I honestly don't know what to go for. If I buy the GTR, I am worried that it will suck me dry as I have an inherent tendency to tinker. There are so many tuning options available for the car for both performance and cosmetics will I be constantly enhancing' the car?
Have any owners come from a GT3 to GTR or vice versa? Which will be the better long-term ownership proposition to keep me engaged and entertained for many years?
Any thoughts, experience or opinions would be gratefully received.
Cheers,
Mart.
PS - Will still be keeping the Plus as teh family wagon!
