R32 Gtr - For & Against

[dan_the_man]

its funny

if u showed his review to a bunch or people who didnt like gtr's... they'd all say he was a genius. show his review to a bunch or people that own or what to own a gtr and they think he's a f**k wit

[Angus Smart]

2 Years, owning a 500hp(roughly) i can say your going to spend money!

i bought a pretty complete package from japan tho.

roll cage, 500hp turbos, oil coolers, straight cut dog box, just to name a few.

dog box was failed when it got here, yet still worked 1-4 gears.

replaced with standard box.... which was shagged already. and it broke eventually. but it was only a bandaid really

then 34 gtr box and its all smiles again!

Other than that its been a dream mechenically to own!

but expensive for sure! like with all turbo cars You will find it very very very hard not to want to push it a bit more and more and more and more!

[SilverECR33]

Julian Edgar" is a tosser.!

instantly didnt like his attitude. wat a dumshit. i cannot believe people read his garble. and he must not know how to drive very well if oversteer from a GTR is some kind of issue?

My opinion is GTR are a great choice of performance car. I personally would get a later model GTR like a R33 or R34, simply that they are newer, and have alot of old issues with GTR's worked out. so less reliability issues, etc.

I would only consider the R32 if i liked the Look better. or that i wanted to be the quickest GTR out there, as the R32 is the lightest, and holds the fastest 0-300kph records. but the R33 and R34 aint far off. and driveability reliability and comfort, are ^^ up in the later models. but then it all comes down to price..

really depends what ur looking for.. but if i had to choose any Performance car.. It would most definently be a type of GTR.

Oversteer in a GTR is well handled, even the lesser skilled drivers would have no issue controlling the oversteer with the GTR's traction control aids. not what Julian Edgar" is on about. must be a bit of a girl.

GTR= the most technically advanced production car ever bold but widely quoted.

Edited November 1, 2006 by silverbulletR33

[Big Rizza]

I took one GT-R driver for a ride (he refused to drive the car himself because he said that it would be impossible to safely slide it in urban conditions) and the car oversteered around every corner as usual. You know, boot it in second gear while heading through a "Turn Left at Any Time With Care", swing on the opposite lock as the tail came out and then hold it down the road. Flamboyant, slow and dangerous. "It's handling exactly as I would expect a GT-R to handle" the other GT-R owner said from the passenger seat. "You just need to feed the power in gradually as you are exiting corners. There is a lot of power there, you know." After the modified Subaru this was simply a bullshit statement - my old modified Subaru went just as hard as the standard GT-R and you could tromp it out of every corner without understeer or oversteer!

I get really tired of GTR fanboys seeing no fault in the way great and mighty Godzilla drives. It's very clear some people are responding purely on emotion - if you were responding to Julian's comments objectively, there wouldn't be all this name calling!

Fact: The GTR's standard AWD system did not put the power down as efficiently in low speed corners as his old Subaru Liberty RS.

Fact: The ride and NVH of an R32 GTR is inferior to many many other cars on the road.

For these reasons, he sold the car for an Audi S4, a car which has superior ride and NVH to the GTR, with the security of a constant AWD system, which is what he wanted all along.

I don't see Julian's experience as detracting from the R32 GTR at all. The GTR is a purpose built driving machine. For me, ride and NVH are secondary concerns - the GTR is built to go fast, and go fast it does. And the whole point of ATTESA is that it DOESN'T handle like a constant AWD car, rather it behaves like a rear drive car with the AWD only coming in to assist when required.

The GTR was not what Julian Edgar wanted from a motor vehicle. Just because it's EXACTLY what YOU want from a motor vehicle doesn't make him wrong.

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Now where did I put that flame proof suit...

[GTR_STEALTH]

On the topic of Julien Edger's review; i think it is a lil biased. A good (car) review would look at the negatives AND the positives so as to give a better overall picture. And so it is for this reason u cant really take his word for gospel just like you cant take some peoples words on here as gospel either...no offense ppls

Im in the process of getting a 32GTR myself....

I think the best way to find out what its problems/negatives are is to go back throught the threads in the various forums and see what people posted. It will give you an idea where their common problems are and how to fix/prevent.

[djr81]

The problem was that the GT-R Edgar bought had issues with the ATTESSA system. Which eventually was found and fixed. So yep, a GT-R with a slow reacting AWD system does oversteer too much. Which is hardly a revelation.

And the seats do suck if you are of above average size - especially the lack of lumbar support.

And the things do tramline quite harshly - particularly is the wheel alignment is out.

And they are noisy.

BUT, for their time (now rapidly closing in on 20 years ago) NOTHING could get near them.

[sh@un]

Getting the wheels aligned and adjustable arm geometries set properly (ie- by someone that actually has a clue) will make things better with regards to tram-lining, and avoiding use of overly wide high-grip tires will help to minimise it too.

[hrd-hr30]

Clearly anyone having a less than perfect opinion of the GTR clearly doesn't know what they're talking about. And yes, it is obvious that someone wishing their GTR to handle with the security of constant 4WD should not modify their 4WD system to make it behave like a constant 4WD system, but they should instead change their shock absorbers. And clearly someone who has owned a 1973 Honda Z, a ’77 AlfaSud, a ’77 BMW 3.0si, a 1986 Holden VL Commodore Turbo, and a Liberty RS before owning their R32 GTR, has infact only owned front wheel drive and subaru all wheel drives before owning their R32 GTR. And contemporary magazine reviews have unanimously recorded cars like the AlfaSud, BMW 3.0si and Liberty RS to be amongst the worst handling cars of all time, so it's only fit that one would want to make future cars they own handle equaly as bad.

I don't agree with everything Julian Edgar says, but don't let one persons less than perfect GTR ownership experience take anything away from the Godzilla legend. Saying "Nah he's a knob coz Thorpey said that GTR's are fully sick" doesn't make his opinion any less valid, and doesn't make his insight into GTR ownership any less valuable for a potential GTR buyer.

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Anyways, back on topic, Thorpey told me that GTRs are fully sick, so you should definitely get one!

I didn't read that JE article you posted. i formed my "JE is a knob" opinoion from his articles in Zoom about the handling problems of his GTR and the steps he took to correct the problems shows he had absolutely no idea. His opinion that his previous subaru (on semi slicks!) handled "better" than he thought the GTR did is not surprising. Yet he clearly described in those stories taking the subaru back out along the same roads he's been scared on by the GTR and praising it wholeheartedly for being as fast through the corners as the GTR! hello- the GTR was on road tyres and the suba on semi slicks! Clearly the GTR had no business being as fast through the turns, yet he praises the Suba and cans the GTR. clearly the man has nfi

And any time he mentioned handling, he was only ever talking about traction out of corners. He wasn't interested in corner entry characteristics, where subarus are just farkin terrible (yes I've driven a number of these from standard to modified road cars and even PRC rally cars). Nor did he talk about mid corner speed or the overall balance of the chassis. All he was concerned about was being able to put the foot to the floor when exiting without having to do any driving.

The fact that he expected the GTR to handle just like a constant awd car shows he did zero research before spending $80,000 he didn't have on the car! what a knob!

One look at the photos of his GTR cornering would tell you that his was a boat. the thing was lurching all over the place. Its common knowledge that the standard shocks are borderline at controlling the chassis even when brand new. did JE know this, or find out from anyone? nup. again shows he did no research at all into his handling complaints. for crying out loud, he explained the steps he took to look into the handling problems - he just assumed they all handled like that.

fact is that a few dollars spent on new shocks to replace the 7year old factory shocks would have done wonders for the car. and while the shocks are being fitted, may as well throw some aftermarket springs in too - won't coast any more in labour, and the car would have been totally transformed. No need for them to develop their ATESSA controller, but then what would they have done for stories for the next 4 issues of Zoom? and it s important to note that JE's background is with electronics - he really doesn't have any experience with mechanics, or car setup, or any sort of experience that would give his opinions on handling any credibility at all.

JE only ever drove 1 GTR (which was 7 years old and totally original and standard - even on the original tyres at first!) and labelled them all as duds. I have driven probably more than 10 R32 GTR's and know that springs and shocks totally transform the way they handle. a GTR on standard suspension is much more oversteer prone than one with decent springs and shocks. If you want your GTR to handle better, that is the sensible place to start, not with an ATESSA controller! Get the suspension working properly and you will see that NISSAN did know what they were doing with the ATESSA system. Its really only when you start adding alot more power that ATESSA controllers really come into their own - with the exception of wet conditions and dirt. If you want to drive hard in those conditions, even a standard GTR will benefit from a controller.

final word on JE and his eminent opinions on what makes a fast car -

...other car that could touch its real-world performance... maybe its driving performance on a tight, twisty road? I'd take the current 6-speed Mazda MX5 myself - and I've driven the MX5 extensively.

tight twisty road - maxda MX5??? it would have to be damn tight and twisty, without any straights, let alone uphill sections :lol: damn those MX5's! how many times have i not been able to shake one of them on a tight twisty road in the real world? yeah good one JE! the man has NFI.

And this:

The most accurate review that I have ever read of the GT-R handling (this time of an R33 V-Spec) was in UK magazine Performance Car. They compared the GT-R with the Audi Quattro 20V, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale Evo, and Subaru Impreza WRX. The comparison was made on real, mostly wet roads (as opposed to a racetrack), and said of the GT-R when comparing it with the WRX: "On unfamiliar, give and take roads, in wet weather, the Skyline can be unnerving, especially if you attempt to drive it as you would, say, the Impreza. In the Subaru, all your concentration is focused on judging the turn-in speed correctly. Once you know the front end has bitten, you can pretty much relax. In the Skyline, not only do you have to judge your turn-in speed, you also have to be careful applying power on the exit as it will readily snap into oversteer."

firstly, wet conditions are the most favourable conditions for the constant awd cars' handling characteristics.

but yes, the GTR is the drivers car of the awd world- ie you still have to drive it - like a proper car. it does not reward the hamfisted foot to the floor and expect nothing untoward to happen approach to "driving".

nothing bores me more than driving understeering but safe feeling (to the average driver) constant awd WRX & STi's. Sure they're fast out of corners, but not on the way in and mid corner speed isn't great either. There is no enjoyment in driving them. Its like driving a good fwd car, except with traction on the way out. Its not fun to have to manage understeer all the way through the turn just so you can tromp it on exit without any driver input if you ask me. But if that's what you like, and clearly JE does then stay with the subarus. Leave the GTR's to the drivers.

Edited November 3, 2006 by hrd-hr30

[r32line]

If you ask me, the fact that you needed to start a poll to find out if a gtr is worthile (i.e more pro's than con's) means you probably shouldn't bother. Most people who own them love them, like all cars it isnt goin to do everything 100% perfect, but it has an incredible reputation and deservedly so...

[GT-R32]

I have had a smorgasboard of cars (~22) and my GTR (I know not an R32) is the best car I have ever driven. The FD RX7 is up there with it, but they are different. What does JE think of the FD's oversteer and general favour for a good steerer?

[Roy]

Meh, GTRs...buy a GTSt and put a GTR badge on it. Best of both worlds.

Sorry, i have nothing to add other then go and test drive a few and go for a real test drive, like 15 minutes through traffic so some open roads then back through traffic. Test drive and see what you think, then speak to your mechanic...having a good relationship with your mechnic can help no end. Hell he may even know of a good example for sale and can shpow you all the receipts for the work done to it

[Gav]

Some good, honest advice in this thread forthe new GT-R buyer.

The best advice I can give is:

• * be honest with yourself as to if you can really afford to run it
  
• * buy yourself a daily driver in addition to the GT-R
  

When you get a well sorted GT-R on the track and feel the ATTESSA pull you out of a corner on full power the cost and anguish of ownership is quickly forgotten.

Edited November 3, 2006 by Gav

[pixel8r]

It might be worth noting that topgear (the uk car show) guys have driven r32,33 & 34 gtrs and had no troubles with handling. They are used to driving supercars and performance cars and not just subarus and audi quattros.

They actually said the gtr was a bit "boring" because it is full of technology that "thinks" for you so that you dont need to worry about cornering etc...

They said the car looks after you particularly in cornering and they likened it to a "playstation on wheels".

So obviously they had fun with them, and surely if they were going to criticize anything it would be the handling but it wasn't. All they criticized is that the car does everything for you so therefore it made driving them a bit boring. Thats fair enough since normally when they test cars they turn all forms of driving aids off (traction control etc.)

just my 2c.

If you're unsure, go and testdrive the WRX that is supposed to outhandle a GT-R and then go and testdrive said GT-R. Its your call really

[gazza750]

as a 32 gr owner (mid 93 )model i can honestly say

yes it is a fantastic car to own

yes it does have its pitfalls

mine is a daily driver in 10 months of ownership (i had it imported from japan) i have travelled 15000 km's and there are things needing to be fixed but you dont buy a 13 to 17/18 year old car not expecting to need to spend money on it .

Parts are not cheap most of the time.

Find yourself a good Workshop to do any/all work on your pride and joy and you will NOT ever regret owning a true enthusiest vehicle.

just remember that you will be driving it differently to the previous owner so ahile the car adapts touyour driving style some bits will wear differently to how they have worn in the past .

most importantly is the fact that you want a gtr do not let others tell you what you want out of a car it will be your pride and joy for (hopefully ) many years to come so find one that you are sure you will be happy with and every time you open your wallet to spend money on it think of it as an investment on keeping a piece of australian motorsport history rolling on our roads

[r32line]

And with the drive scheduled for the next day, did I have trouble sleeping the night before? Nope. In fact, it filled me with - literally - about as much excitement as I would have had when facing the prospect of driving any car that's new to me. Like a Hyundai Getz, for example.

Trouble is, you see, my experience of Nissan Skyline GT-Rs has been sufficiently negative that I don't regard them as anywhere near as good a car as - apparently - millions of others do.

Oh dear Julian!!!

If ever there was a time to rethink the freedom of speech....it would be after reading this article

Edited November 5, 2006 by r32line

[si]

If you do get one then make sure you still have some money set aside as things will likely go wrong. This week on the way to department of transport to get my 32gtr registered the exhaust wheel on the rear turbo decided it didnt like where it was and made the cat converter it's new home. Luckily the motor still seems alright since i wasn't really giving it any at the time..

[GT-R LM]

didnt julian put that marrone r32 gtr into a tree or barrier or something, the rear was totally f**ked and the car had to have the chassis re-straightend its in a old zoom.

Fortunatly he has NFI what so ever, so dont take his articles seriously.