Porsche lovers: What do you think about the new Nissan GT-R?

Question

The 2008 Nissan GT-R recently beat the track record of the Porsche Turbo at the Nurburgring and it has a 0-60 time in 3.5 sec. It is also more aerodynamic. And finally, it only costs only ~$80,000. What do you think about the Nissan GT-R vs. the Porsche Turbo?

Here's a link:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=123099

http://www.motortrend.com/photo_gallery/112_0712_2008_nissan_gt_r_gallery

Not so long ago, we thought the Audi R8 was going to get some of Porsche's sales, but now, the Nissan GT-R is a viable contender. What are your thoughts? The Japanese are bringing the Acura NSX, Lexus LF-A, and Toyota Supra here soon. Do you think Porsche needs to worry?

Answer 1

No matter what you do to it, it is still a Nissan. You will have plenty of boobs living in the suburbs going oooh-ahhh and buying them. However, I assure you that said boobs would rather have a Porsche.

I have an '06 911 Carrera 4s and love it. I'd gladly drop another $80k on a second 911 before I'd spend $40k, let alone $80k on a Nissan.

I'm currently on the road driving from Ontario to Florida in my 911, I lost count how many waves, thumbs up, honks, etc. I have received while driving. I assure a Nissan won't draw that kind of admiration on the road.

Answer 2

The new GT-R looks like it will be a great car, but there are a few issues to look at in regards to it's Nordschleife lap.

First, as has been pointed out, the Porsche Turbo is not the current record holder... the fastest lap ever is turbo-charged Porsche, but it's a racing Porsche (956 and it turned a lap at 6:11... the GT-R has a LOOOONG way to go to get even close to this).

Among street cars, there are many that are faster than the GT-R and the current Porsche Turbo, and the GT-R is still well off of these.

Secondly there is the history of Nissan running at the 'Ring... years ago they brought an earlier Skyline out there and managed to score the first sub 8:00 laptime in a street car... an impressive display no doubt. Oddly enough though, others attempting to repeat this with supposedly identical cars purchased from dealers and using professional drivers were unable to come within about 20 seconds of the Nissan team's results. With many years between to look back, it's clear they did not do so with a stock car, and the results this time around beg a similar question as to how closely the test car resembles and actual production car. It's a great result, but if you are talking about a car that is custom built for the tast of turning a fast lap around Nordschleife, it's really not that fast of a time.

As for sales issues - Porsche is currently selling everything it can make and many models enjoy waiting lists. I think Porsche is more likely worried about economic pressures resulting from the housing market and morgage crisis than they are from Japanese or other German competitors. While the later are a constant challenge, the former has proven to be more historically devestating... in the 90s it was economic issues that cut into sales, not the arrival of the new 300ZX or third generation RX7 providing great performance for much less money.

Answer 3

Are you kidding, there is no way the GT-R is more aerodynamic than a Porsche. The GT-R is higher than a 911 and the front is boxy.
I like the back of the GT-R, but not the front. I would still choose a Porsche because Porsche is the number one sportscar manufacturer. The GT-R would not last as long as a Porsche when it comes to racing.
Porsche does not need to worry because it is buying Volkwagon. Porsche already owns at least 41% of VW.
Volkwagen owns Audi, Lamborghini, Bently, Bugatti, Skoda, and Seat. Vw is the number one company in Europe just like how GM is number one in America.

Answer 4

Nissan came out with this car about 4 years late. The big demand and boom for this car was in the early turn of the century. All Skyline turbos are impressive and are definitely destined for the history books as Japanese muscle with the likes of the Supra. That said, it's a different market. Just as most Porsche owners appreciate Corvettes but wouldn't buy one, I don't think many will buy the GT-R either, just as many Porsche owners never bought the NS-X, S2000 or G35's.

Nice car though, but I wouldn't pay 80k for a Nissan.

Answer 5

We have seen this a MILLION times before...Corvettes, Vipers, NSX's, ad nauseum...ALL with the promise as being a "Porsche beater"

The benchmark has been since 1964 the 911...because it does EVERYTHING well, not just turn respectable lap times at the ring. It's the whole driving experience which makes a benchmark, not just numbers on a data sheet.

And NISSAN's record at Le Mans? Porsche 16...Nissan 0

Answer 6

no idont
porsche is the best car in the world because of that it will last longer the gt-r is a good car ill give it that imean if you had an actual rce between a porsche 911 gt2 and gt-r on the nurburgring the porsce gt2 wins no doubt i know the GT-r is cheaper more practical than the GT2 but id still much rather have gt2 but i have drivin some old skylines and they were great value sports cars
if you can afford a posche get it if you cant get a jap super car

Answer 7

the 911 turbo doesnt have the track record, the Carrera GT does (actually, the Pagani Zonda F just claimed the record).

it was a preproduction GTR. Their lead engineer said the car was realistically in the 7:55 range. It could have been on race tires, had a different suspension setup, been lightened, etc etc. Until something like sport auto tests it on the ring, im going to wait to pass judgement. I highly doubt a 3800 pound car will be running a 7:38 out there.

Answer 8

Porsche looks much better than the GT-R and the Carrera GT can easily toast that car, it may be fast but its is hell ugly i would never want people to see me in that ugly thing.

Answer 9

hmm the porsche 911 turbo goes 0-60 in 3.7s. the porsche doesn't even have 400hp and it can still whoop the gtr because the gtr is heavier, wider, and bad aeurodynamics.

a z06 can beat that