34Gtr Compared To Later Model Sports Cars

[joeyjoejoejuniorshabadoo]

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.

dont forget when you are actually driving a GTR @ 100% and it starts to get loose it can bite you a lot harder than a RWD car. many an R has been binned on track

[Phatboy]

dont forget when you are actually driving a GTR @ 100% and it starts to get loose it can bite you a lot harder than a RWD car. many an R has been binned on track

Maybe I should have clarified it is forgiving when driving at MY limit, not the car's

The few times on twisty mountain tracks where I felt I was losing traction, I corrected no problem. When I drove an XR8 before it just felt totally out of control like it wanted to spin the tail out whenever I pressed on the gas in the corners. It was damp though.

[joeyjoejoejuniorshabadoo]

lol v8 RWD in the wet will always feel loose

with a RWD when you hit 101% talent and the ass is hanging out, if you ease off the throttle you can recover it easily, whereas with attessa throwing it's bit in you can get thrown in the opposite direction very quickly

it's like anything in motorsport, if it allows you to hit 100% talent, it will bite harder when you lose it, because you will lose it at 100%, not 95%. it's the same argument for not running semi's on your first track day. false confidence due to equipment can be just as dangerous lower spec'd equipment

[nomnomv8]

dont forget when you are actually driving a GTR @ 100% and it starts to get loose it can bite you a lot harder than a RWD car. many an R has been binned on track

THIS x 1000.

You are right though in general conditions where your not pushing it to the limit the GTR is alot more forgiving due to its traction. When it does let go on you though your pretty well screwed lol

[Pezhead]

^^^ All cars are an issue once you've driven over the limit and sliding. The GTR being AWD will allow you to use the power to adjust, but if you are at high speed do NOT let off suddenly or else you'll get big compression locked rear and flat spin (personal experience over the blind crest at Oran Park - big flat spin!). A RWD car you should let off the power to regain some traction and then adjust. All better than a FWD car where all you can do is steer and hope.

Really your choice is just that - your choice. IMO both high spec Euro and GTR's are great choices but it comes down to personal preference.

A GTR is a timeless icon, in my opinion. There will always be some passion about them because of all the attention it's gotten in video games and the media. But as others have said it is based on dated technology. In it's day it was at the top of the league. But compared to newer cars it is totally different.

It's like the Top Gear UK episode where they bought 70's era supercars and compared them to a modern economy hatchback. The econo hatch was quicker around the track just because technology was better and the age of the older cars. 20 years ago 206kw was considered a lot. Now days you base line pick-up truck makes that.

I have no reservations about driving my GTR as a daily. It is modified and currently 300AWKW. Consumes a bit of petrol, but that's the nature of tye type of car it is and my sucky commute to work. I've engineered the car purposely to be compromised between performance and comfort. Mind you, that definition based on my own comfort level - not everyone will put up with coil overs, screeming 044 fuel pump and the sqeeks and rattles that come with moderately stiff suspension. But it still has A/C, big stereo and full interior. I love the way it handles and I have great confidence knowing where the limits of the car and conditions.

But my own passion with my GTR is like the guy that drives a classic v8 muscle car. The GTR is Japan's muscle car. It's big, heavy and powerful. They can be very quick, but to compete with modern technology cars is comparing different leagues. I only drive hard on the track, but when I do there is nothing I can compare to the feeling of a modified GTR. It's brute power and rear biased AWD make it such a unique proposition. You can really drive all out and the car just responds. I'm sure I could drive faster in a lighter less powerful car, nothing puts a smile on your dial like track driving a GTR. The way the power comes on, the tail kicks out but you just stay on it and let the 4wd kick so you can do a mild powerslide through a corner at 100+ kph - I haven't had any other experience like that.

If you want comfort, quick and refined style - go high end Euro car. If you like aggresive tuner and video game culture - go GTR.

I can see the attraction of both and can honestly say that if I were to trade in my GTR right now (and I had the funds) I'd be torn between the new GTR and a Porsche. But that's just theoretical.

Hope that gives you a new perspective.

[RBN1]

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

That'd be the R32 you're thinking about then?

[hamiltonau]

great post eric, really makes me want to keep saving my pennies for a GTR...even though my times are about on a par with yours now im sure im missing out a little re the 'experience'.

being able to walk away from the car without getting a sore neck from looking back at it as i leave is not as great as it sounds...i want a car so pretty it gives me whiplash!

[maclarenf1]

my 2 cents...

i was more or less on the same boat.. but was more comparing R34 to Sti or Evo 8/9 and XI as the samish price range, yet a lot newer and zero KM condition vs 10 year old 65,000km condition.

i found that newer cars like the Evo XI and Sti was a lot more refined tham R34 R to site in and drive, speically at low street speeds and the low rpm pick up is a lot better than GTR.

but in the end i brought GTR, cos i wanted and always loved them . not cos other cars were any bad.

i have not owned a Euro, but driven a friends M3 and was a really nice and easy car to drive, the interior materials, fit and finish was miles ahead i have to say.......

only time i have regretted buying the R, was when i recently drove a chipped Focus RS "new model"... it just was as RAW and race car like but a lot more chuckable and felt better than R. Again was driving on the speed limit and no above the limit.

[IOWNU]

All the cars you've listed are at completely different price points.

R34 GTR will be much cheaper than an M3 or C63 AMG.

Your real comparison should be R34 GTR vs FPV vs HSV. Personally I'd pick the R34 GTR over an FPV/HSV.

And I'd pick Euro over an R34 GTR. The Euro will always be more classy. I'd pick an R35 over the Euros though.

Another car you might want to consider is a 335i (rwd, twin turbo). You can get an early model (06-07) coupe for around the 55k mark. You can also get it in hardtop convertible for around the 70k mark if that floats your boat. They are very understated from the factory and close to m3 performance. Spend around 3k on the car and you'll have 290-300rwkw easy.

Yet another option is the 135i, similar to the above but a bit cheaper. But it is the 1 series, so you are sacrificing a bit when it comes to the interior and looks (they're fugly IMO) and they have the stigma of being a girl's car.

Edited April 23, 2012 by IOWNU

[Hadouken]

I agree with the guy saying "if your contemplating about the gtr then get a euro".

Honestly if you have a passion for a car that is mechanical in feel, sounds raw, makes you feel like your in need for speed every time you step on the throttle and everyone staring at you as if your speeding but actually going 40 in a 60 zone, then this is the car for you.

Do you like fixing that prick car that decided to bring up a gremlin at the wrong time? Do you have patience to iron out the wrinkles a old car produces?

Do you want to buy the car and make it your own?

Or do you want to buy a car and drive it and forget about all te mechanical problems, hiccups, headaches?

[luke gtr]

I wonder what they'd be saying in the euro threads given the same question?

I'm sure the word "soul" would be overly used.

But then, reading through thia thread, the word "raw" has been used a fair bit.

I personally have only been in 2 gtrs.

Both r32s.

Both modded.

And i let out a small sigh of lust scrub time I open my garage door.

I love my r.

Life doesn't get much better than this.

[scarf]

Another car you might want to consider is a 335i (rwd, twin turbo). You can get an early model (06-07) coupe for around the 55k mark. You can also get it in hardtop convertible for around the 70k mark if that floats your boat. They are very understated from the factory and close to m3 performance. Spend around 3k on the car and you'll have 290-300rwkw easy.

Yet another option is the 135i, similar to the above but a bit cheaper. But it is the 1 series, so you are sacrificing a bit when it comes to the interior and looks (they're fugly IMO) and they have the stigma of being a girl's car.

sorry for no replies lately, studying for an exam.

I test drove the 335i's and Audi S4 before I bought the 370GT.

They were OK for daily driving, but not much thrills, much like the 370GT.

To answer some of the questions above. No, I have no patience and little time to fix niggling

problems associated with an older car. I do miss the raw feeling, as my last wrx was very 'raw', but not at the expense of reliability.

By the way the later model R34s that are a pick above the rest are not that much cheaper than

the Euro's (2007 M3), and interestingly not that far off the 2009 R35s (maybe these R34s are over-priced?)

[nomnomv8]

To answer some of the questions above. No, I have no patience and little time to fix niggling

problems associated with an older car. I do miss the raw feeling, as my last wrx was very 'raw', but not at the expense of reliability.

By the way the later model R34s that are a pick above the rest are not that much cheaper than

the Euro's (2007 M3), and interestingly not that far off the 2009 R35s (maybe these R34s are over-priced?)

If you didnt blow anything on the rex you will be fine with the gtr. The 34R can be very reliable and cop a huge belting with no hassles at power levels around the high 200 to low 300kw mark but then again like with any car once you start excessively modifying things can and do go wrong.

I dont know where your looking on the market but any R34 that is around R35 money better be mofidifed off its head with only the best parts and pulling 800+ horses otherwise yes it is hugely overpriced and a rip off. Even Nur's are dropping in price these days and you will have at least 20 grand left over change for the nicest of examples when compared to a 35.

[scarf]

If you didnt blow anything on the rex you will be fine with the gtr. The 34R can be very reliable and cop a huge belting with no hassles at power levels around the high 200 to low 300kw mark but then again like with any car once you start excessively modifying things can and do go wrong.

I dont know where your looking on the market but any R34 that is around R35 money better be mofidifed off its head with only the best parts and pulling 800+ horses otherwise yes it is hugely overpriced and a rip off. Even Nur's are dropping in price these days and you will have at least 20 grand left over change for the nicest of examples when compared to a 35.

that's why I wouldn't buy another wrx again. Too much expense needed to modify them properly.

Had to build engine and gearbox to handle much larger turbo and nitrous.

[iseekool]

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

Yep. I'm in a similar situation. Once women and houses get involved - cars can take a back seat unless the car is going to be for her.

[ras1983]

My 2c is that today's performance cars perform just as well if not better than the old imports because of the advances in technology and price of technology. To be brutally honest, my 07 XR5 turbo gives my old R33 GTR a run for its money in terms of in-gear acceleration and handling, if not outright power. Also, and I found this to be very surprising, the humble XR5 is a lot more predictable around corners, which gives me more confidence to push it on hills runs without having to worry about the rear end suddenly losing traction or ATESSA working against me when I'm trying to keep the car straight. Having said all of that, I wouldn't think twice about buying another GTR eventually because I love the rawness (there's that word again ) and the overall driving experience. There's just something special about owning a GTR. They look special. They sound special. They feel special. That's because to me, as a GTR enthusiast, they are special.

So, to echo what many other have already said, get the R34 if you are an enthusiast and can live with the downsides of a GTR. Otherwise, if your rose tinted glasses aren't powerful enough, you'll find that you'll be disappointed with the old cars and you'll be wondering why the newer cars that you've driven are faster/more reliable/inspire more confidence etc.

[bozodos]

the points made in this thread are contributing factors as to why I didn't get an R32/33 GT-R when it came to new car time.

Great if you're after a weekender or track weapon, but pain in the ARSE for a daily / lots of kays / always parked outside etc like my old R32 was. Also cost more to maintain.

If you can afford 2 cars, I'd say look into it!