34Gtr Compared To Later Model Sports Cars

[scarf]

Happy Easter all.

Hopefully in the next 3-4 months, once I get my home constructed, I would like to purchase a 34GTR.

I have never driven a GTR, and don't really want to go and test drive any, as i am not serious about buying right now.

Just don't want to be wasting anyone's time.

For people who know, how does the 34GTR compare to more modern vehicles like the e90 M3, C63 AMG or the Audi RS4 ?

Even for that matter to the current V8 FPVs and HSV's?

I love the look and I am sure with even mild mods and tuning it would be fast. As fast as the above cars which are all 300kw+ ?

How is the ride quality? Can it be comfortable enough to drive on Sydney roads regularly, or is every road imperfection going to cause pain? (if yes, then I'll keep my current car as a daily)

What is the transmission like compared to more modern 6 spds?

Any feedback welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Oz.

[Chris-06R]

Those Euros you mentioned are very different cars to a 34 - much newer and much more expensive. You're looking at close to R35 money for those...

Having never driven either of those 3 I can't comment specifically. But having driven other Euros (Audi S5, Volvo V70R) and recent GT falcons; all of those will seem alot more luxurious and refined than the GTR. The transmission in the GTR is pretty nice, but not as smooth and effortless as it is in most modern cars - feels more mechanical and notchy.

As for ride, mine doesn't have stock suspension so its pretty harsh, but no other car I've driven sits as flat and planted through corners as the GTR (that said I haven't driven any supercars or small late model sports cars).

Overall, you will find many cars that do everything better, more comfortably and cheaper than a GTR, but if you really want one, you don't have to justify anything...

[msports180]

Like said above, your comparing a 10yr + old car to moddern euro's that are near new. Its not a fair comparison. They are built for completely different things. Ultimatly, you need to drive all of your choice's. When we looked for a new car for the Mrs, it took us over 6 months, we drove everything, but ended up with a fast Euro as it was the nicest.

[GTR-34A]

You have to be pretty commited when deciding to purchase a 34R, as your comparing them to near new euro cars im guessing anything less than mint will not do... mint 34rs are very hard to come by now, took me 4 months or so and had to comprimise on colour and spec..

I wouldnt be concerned about a 34R being fast, comapring the price of the euros, you could buy a 34R, spend half the difference onit between the euro purchase price and be far, far quicker.

Another thing to consider is depreciation, i would say spend 50k on a mint 34R, chances are you could get 50k again in 5-10years if kept mint... Buy 100k euro, chances are in 5-10 years it would be worth half that.

As for transmisson, as said above, nothing like modern gearboxs, very notching and mechanical, but i dont see how that would be a concern?? stock clutch is very drivable etc so its not painfull in traffic etc.. although i would not reccomend one as a daily driver, they wernt really made for it, and you will probably just end up getting sick of it putting around town 90% of the time... also after searching for months for a gtr and you finally find a mint one, im going to bet your not going to want to park it at the shops etc... keep it in the garage and take it out when you want to go for a proper drive

My advice (although i have never driven the euros etc) is if you have always liked and dreamed of owning a 34R is to buy one, as you will always be left wondering and may regret not getting one etc...

[scarf]

Those Euros you mentioned are very different cars to a 34 - much newer and much more expensive. You're looking at close to R35 money for those...

Having never driven either of those 3 I can't comment specifically. But having driven other Euros (Audi S5, Volvo V70R) and recent GT falcons; all of those will seem alot more luxurious and refined than the GTR. The transmission in the GTR is pretty nice, but not as smooth and effortless as it is in most modern cars - feels more mechanical and notchy.

As for ride, mine doesn't have stock suspension so its pretty harsh, but no other car I've driven sits as flat and planted through corners as the GTR (that said I haven't driven any supercars or small late model sports cars).

Overall, you will find many cars that do everything better, more comfortably and cheaper than a GTR, but if you really want one, you don't have to justify anything...

I was considering the 2nd hand market. Like 2005 M5's are around 80-90K, 2007 M3 and C63's are under 100K, RS4's are also about 80K.

It seems the nicer R34s are not too far off these prices.

Just with the above comment. What makes the GTR special then. Or is it all hype?

[scarf]

My advice (although i have never driven the euros etc) is if you have always liked and dreamed of owning a 34R is to buy one, as you will always be left wondering and may regret not getting one etc...

pretty much sums it up

[iwanta34gtr]

You have to be pretty commited when deciding to purchase a 34R, as your comparing them to near new euro cars im guessing anything less than mint will not do... mint 34rs are very hard to come by now, took me 4 months or so and had to comprimise on colour and spec..

Words of wisdom. We shared the exact same pain while searching.

I've had Mercs - etc previously, got bored of them pretty quickly but everyones different and it will come down to personal preference.

R35 was the only other car I was considering. But to me, the R34 GTR just has the rawness, soul and reputation that just keeps me falling in love over and over again every time I set my eyes on her.

Edited April 6, 2012 by iwanta34gtr

[nomnomv8]

The 34 is very raw and brutal and you can tell it has been designed with the purpose of being a race car and nothing else where as the others you mentioned all seem to have a luxary aspect and are all made in a different era of vehicles all together - In saying that at a relatively stock level (~250awkw) it is still very driveable on the street and will pull you mid 12's at the creek all day every day.

My opionion: If you actually have to contemplate about buying an R34 GTR then it isnt a car for you.

[scarf]

The 34 is very raw and brutal and you can tell it has been designed with the purpose of being a race car and nothing else where as the others you mentioned all seem to have a luxary aspect and are all made in a different era of vehicles all together - In saying that at a relatively stock level (~250awkw) it is still very driveable on the street and will pull you mid 12's at the creek all day every day.

My opionion: If you actually have to contemplate about buying an R34 GTR then it isnt a car for you.

I've contacted a mate who is going to organise a test drive in the next 2 weeks.

Decided no need to wait. Looking forward to feeling how raw they are.

[benm]

The R34 might be 10-14 years old physically, but mechanically it is 25yrs old (sure its had some tweaks along the way but essentially its all late 1980's tech)....something that most people forget!

[Yo-Yo]

I'll give you my perspective as it does draw some parallels to your situation.

I went from an R34 GT-t to a 350z, the two cars were from different eras in technology & design philosophy. Whether newer is better/more enjoyable is subjective.

Obviously the interior/exterior is going to be more modern in the later car & the Z was more comfy to drive around in day to day, but man did I miss the raw mechanical feeling of my Gt-t, the little squeaks & rattles weren't even an issue just due to how fun it was to drive & the turbo rush, wish I could've kept it.

Not saying the Z wasn't fun either, but it was just more... exciting in the R34

Definitely do your research on general maintenance & upkeep that comes with owning an R34GTR (not to mention modifications ), it definitely helps if you're a DIY kind of bloke when it comes to things like oil changes, fixing mechanical issues etc.

Only thing stopping me owning an R34GTR right now is the mortgages & planning to propose to my gf down the track.

I've test-driven relatively stock & modded R34 GTR's before & one thing I noticed compared to my v36 is the initial power when you take off in a GTR doesn't feel as strong due to the smaller displacement motor, but as soon as the turbos kick in you get that rush of power that is soooo satisfying

I need to start playing lotto

[scarf]

I'll give you my perspective as it does draw some parallels to your situation.

I went from an R34 GT-t to a 350z, the two cars were from different eras in technology & design philosophy. Whether newer is better/more enjoyable is subjective.

Obviously the interior/exterior is going to be more modern in the later car & the Z was more comfy to drive around in day to day, but man did I miss the raw mechanical feeling of my Gt-t, the little squeaks & rattles weren't even an issue just due to how fun it was to drive & the turbo rush, wish I could've kept it.

Not saying the Z wasn't fun either, but it was just more... exciting in the R34

Definitely do your research on general maintenance & upkeep that comes with owning an R34GTR (not to mention modifications ), it definitely helps if you're a DIY kind of bloke when it comes to things like oil changes, fixing mechanical issues etc.

Only thing stopping me owning an R34GTR right now is the mortgages & planning to propose to my gf down the track.

I've test-driven relatively stock & modded R34 GTR's before & one thing I noticed compared to my v36 is the initial power when you take off in a GTR doesn't feel as strong due to the smaller displacement motor, but as soon as the turbos kick in you get that rush of power that is soooo satisfying

I need to start playing lotto

I also owned a modded R33 GTS25T, a std soarer and 18 months back a very highly modded wrx.

I also miss the fun factor of modded turboed cars.

I thought about supercharging the V36 but I have a feeling after reading some posts on myg37.com that it is not the thing to do.

[GTR-N1]

I'll give you my perspective as it does draw some parallels to your situation.

I went from an R34 GT-t to a 350z, the two cars were from different eras in technology & design philosophy. Whether newer is better/more enjoyable is subjective.

Obviously the interior/exterior is going to be more modern in the later car & the Z was more comfy to drive around in day to day, but man did I miss the raw mechanical feeling of my Gt-t, the little squeaks & rattles weren't even an issue just due to how fun it was to drive & the turbo rush, wish I could've kept it.

Not saying the Z wasn't fun either, but it was just more... exciting in the R34I

Definitely do your research on general maintenance & upkeep that comes with owning an R34GTR (not to mention modifications ), it definitely helps if you're a DIY kind of bloke when it comes to things like oil changes, fixing mechanical issues etc.

Only thing stopping me owning an R34GTR right now is the mortgages & planning to propose to my gf down the track.

I've test-driven relatively stock & modded R34 GTR's before & one thing I noticed compared to my v36 is the initial power when you take off in a GTR doesn't feel as strong due to the smaller displacement motor, but as soon as the turbos kick in you get that rush of power that is soooo satisfying

I need to start playing lotto

Nice post Yo-Yo !

In addition, I would like to contribute by asking you scarf if you'd like to corner hard?

If so, I would certainly accept a ride from an SAUer who knows how to push his GTR through a corner!

By all means compare that to an RS4 and M3 and then make your decision; keeping in mind steering feel whilst you're at it. The FPVs and HSVs get a bit left behind no matter how modern they are.

Anecdote:- I walked in to Canterbury BMW a few weeks ago to buy a couple of presents and then say hello to a friend Theo the Service Mngr. On the way in, a salesman came up and asked if I needed help. Jokingly I said that I was intending to trade in my R34 for an M3. Then after looking at the GTR from 20m, he said, "What could possess you to do that?"

ROFL, I hope the CEO Nat Zanardo has still let him keep his job.... Hehe...

[msports180]

^^^ An honest salesman?!!

[scarf]

Nice post Yo-Yo !

In addition, I would like to contribute by asking you scarf if you'd like to corner hard?

If so, I would certainly accept a ride from an SAUer who knows how to push his GTR through a corner!

By all means compare that to an RS4 and M3 and then make your decision; keeping in mind steering feel whilst you're at it. The FPVs and HSVs get a bit left behind no matter how modern they are.

Anecdote:- I walked in to Canterbury BMW a few weeks ago to buy a couple of presents and then say hello to a friend Theo the Service Mngr. On the way in, a salesman came up and asked if I needed help. Jokingly I said that I was intending to trade in my R34 for an M3. Then after looking at the GTR from 20m, he said, "What could possess you to do that?"

ROFL, I hope the CEO Nat Zanardo has still let him keep his job.... Hehe...

That is very funny:)

Had a patient come in the other month who competes and runs a car club

I'll end up joining his club, so cornering hard would be a nice thing.

[GTR-N1]

I've contacted a mate who is going to organise a test drive in the next 2 weeks.

Decided no need to wait. Looking forward to feeling how raw they are.

Ask your friend Oz to come up and then you can try two > up and down Hawkesbury Heights.

And try a Bimmer at the same time

Perhaps we'll see you as a SAU Member soon too.

[scarf]

Ask your friend Oz to come up and then you can try two > up and down Hawkesbury Heights.

And try a Bimmer at the same time

Perhaps we'll see you as a SAU Member soon too.

Cheers Terry for the offer.

I'm sure our paths will cross some day.

[Phatboy]

Most of the alternatives you mentioned are high powered FR cars. Maybe it's just because my driving skills aren't stellar, or I haven't driven a decent example yet, but I always felt I couldn't go 100% in these type of cars in the interests of self-preservation.

On the other hand, the R34 GTR in my experience is VERY forgiving at the limit, probably due in particular to AWD. I went from driving an old, auto Mitsubishi Magna family car to driving this, my first sports car, modified car and manual car without problems. I have never felt out of control, and even when I felt the tires lose traction, it is very easily correctable without missing a beat. I have never gone to the track or DECA or had any driving instruction (apart from getting lessons in driving stick shift before I bought it ). Like an evo, it's a car that makes you feel like you're a much better driver than you really are, for better or worse. You don't need the level of driving skill to punt one of these at the same speeds on a twisty mountain track as you would an FR, and you would feel safer and more confident all the way.

My impression may change in the future if my skills improve and I want more of a challenge, but for the moment, an R34 GTR is probably the best sports car for me.

Before I got my daily, my GTR was it. It can be a bit of a pain to drive with a modified clutch in stop-start traffic, but I only realised this AFTER getting my auto run-about hatchback. In true manual cars of this performance level, it's a pretty good daily. The boot is reasonable, and I have had 2 adults in the back seat at least once a week for the last few years with no injuries That said, for the sake of preserving a mint condition GTR, you may want to have a daily to do the grocery run, drive out when it's possibly hailing, in a rough neighbourhood where you have to park on-street, etc. The alternatives you mentioned - most of them are good dailies in their own right.

One drawback is that you WILL get more attention, whether you want it or not, in the 34 GTR due to it being an import, even if it's stock as a rock and you're driving like an 80 year old nanna going to church.

[Goombeh]

Feel free to consider my opinion slightly irrelevant as I in fact have an R33 GTR, cos I just love them.

But I, like you, went looking at a Euro in the form of an E92 M3. Bit different however in that the BM was going to be the daily and the GTR was going to stay as the weekender and track mule.

I drove many of them as I was so keen, however they never lived up to my expectations strangely. Not to say they're not fantastic, they are, but I was looking for something raw, something I really drove, something that was just brutal and angry.

Whenever I was driving the M3, I felt like I was in a really nice car. Whenever I go out in the GTR, I feel like everyone around me is a little nervous that I'm about to stomp on them. haha.. don't know why.

I then thought of how the weekends would pan out and knew that if I had an M3 and a GTR in the garage, those nice sunday mornings through the mountains would always have me reaching for the keys with the Red 'R' on them. So the M3 would simply be the runabout. And I didn't even think it was very good at that.

My point here is basically what others have said, you need to be clear on two things, your purpose for ownership, and the kind of driving experience you're looking for. If you love the drive, if you want to feel connected, and want to hear and feel every part of the performance the car is exhibiting. If you love the sound, the pops and crackles on over run that you often get with race cars, and if you don't mind be punched and hamered by a car which seems to defy physics on occassions, I would take a GTR, but would it be my only car if I drove every day? Personally no. Let me qualify the last paragraph with the fact that my GTR is worked so a stock one would be different to a degree.

If you want a nice everyday car which is quiet and relaxed to drive, but will stir the child living inside all of us once in a while, and if you get some enjoyment from the image and impressing your friends, the expensive Euros do that extremely well.

It may be difficult to understand my passion for GTRs, even my wife can't understand why I don't even notice Porsches, AMGs, M's etc on the road, but when I see a GTR, I'll virtually pull a neck muscle just to get another second worth of viewing. And it's because I've owned and driven them, and I know what they can do.

And let me hear that 'Howl' of a tuned RB and that's it..... my days about complete.

Not sure if that helps but it somehow helped me .

[scarf]

Feel free to consider my opinion slightly irrelevant as I in fact have an R33 GTR, cos I just love them.

But I, like you, went looking at a Euro in the form of an E92 M3. Bit different however in that the BM was going to be the daily and the GTR was going to stay as the weekender and track mule.

I drove many of them as I was so keen, however they never lived up to my expectations strangely. Not to say they're not fantastic, they are, but I was looking for something raw, something I really drove, something that was just brutal and angry.

Whenever I was driving the M3, I felt like I was in a really nice car. Whenever I go out in the GTR, I feel like everyone around me is a little nervous that I'm about to stomp on them. haha.. don't know why.

I then thought of how the weekends would pan out and knew that if I had an M3 and a GTR in the garage, those nice sunday mornings through the mountains would always have me reaching for the keys with the Red 'R' on them. So the M3 would simply be the runabout. And I didn't even think it was very good at that.

My point here is basically what others have said, you need to be clear on two things, your purpose for ownership, and the kind of driving experience you're looking for. If you love the drive, if you want to feel connected, and want to hear and feel every part of the performance the car is exhibiting. If you love the sound, the pops and crackles on over run that you often get with race cars, and if you don't mind be punched and hamered by a car which seems to defy physics on occassions, I would take a GTR, but would it be my only car if I drove every day? Personally no. Let me qualify the last paragraph with the fact that my GTR is worked so a stock one would be different to a degree.

If you want a nice everyday car which is quiet and relaxed to drive, but will stir the child living inside all of us once in a while, and if you get some enjoyment from the image and impressing your friends, the expensive Euros do that extremely well.

It may be difficult to understand my passion for GTRs, even my wife can't understand why I don't even notice Porsches, AMGs, M's etc on the road, but when I see a GTR, I'll virtually pull a neck muscle just to get another second worth of viewing. And it's because I've owned and driven them, and I know what they can do.

And let me hear that 'Howl' of a tuned RB and that's it..... my days about complete.

Not sure if that helps but it somehow helped me .

Nice info!

Interestingly I contacted a friend who has owned a couple of GTRs and has driven R34s.

he text messaged me back saying " ....they (the GTR) are not normal. My favourite cars".

He also said another mate of his has a ferrari (didnt say model), and he would still rather the R34.