Guys, I love my MINI. I just got it too. Sometime in the future, I can still see myself in a MINI. But also I can see myself making more bucks. I will no doubt get a second car. I was always a big M3 fan. Not that I like the MINI less, but M3 was just out of my range for now. But the GTR... it's a def. a car that you can't ignore. So I was thinking, what you guys, the guru's, the mechanics, the car enthusiasts think. What is a better car in terms of speed? Performance? Style? Form/Function? Price? Value? And just over all? =] Any opinion is appreciated as it will give me more insight to my future car.

 

correct me if im wrong but the M3 and the GTR arent really in the same category...

 

I am a fan of BMW and the M series, but I'm a Nissan tech so I'm kinda partial to the new GTR. I mean a twin-turbo v6 pushing out nice power numbers, and its basically the same engine in the 350Z. I dont know if the M3 has it but in the GTR you can select 3 different power levels for the engine and trans and 3 different response levels from the suspension on the fly. (Basically cruise, high performance, and full race modes). It just sounds like fun with an 80k dollar price tag, and I might just have to kidnap one while prepping it for sale.

 

I'd expect this thread to get moved to Off topic/Autos, at some point.

Throw a Z06 in there for about the same price, and maybe even a Viper too, and have a fun weekend of test driving cars to see which one you like best. All of them are going to have different driving dynamics and pros and cons. What I like best, might not suit your driving style, for example, which would make my opinion less valuable. Finally, nobody aside from a few magazine writers will likely have driven all of them in a manner in which they can truly offer valid feedback for a comparison.

Anything most of us will say is just speculation or regurgitating that which we've only read about.

 

Between those two I would deffinately go with the M3. I just think that it will be built alot better (not knocking Nissan's, they are very nice cars.). I love the 350z, and ecspecially the Infinity G-35 Coupes (my mother drives one ). But I think the new GTR is absolutely UGLY lol (IMO)...

But, of course if one throws in the Z06, then of course that would be the one to go with. 500hp/7.0l V8/22+ MPG (500 horses and it avoids gas guzzler tax!)/-$70k...but I am one of the biggest Vette fans you will meet...haha

Oh, and the GTR doesn't come to the US till 2009 I believe. So, if you get a 2008 you will be driving on the right side of the car...lol

 

performance-wise they might be somewhat similar, but really, the new GT-R is more of a anti-911 turbo, so it really is a notch or 2 above the m3. the philosophies of the two cars are different, too. the m3, tho way more high-tech than the earlier iterations, is still pretty classic. it has a fantastic high revving v8 but it's still naturally aspirated and despite all the computer and electronic gizmos it's still a hard core rwd high performance car. the GT-R is super techy and is basically a playstation on wheels. even some of the electronics on the car were developed by the playstation people. it has gadgets galore and half of the driving is done by those. so are you into that?

 

My 2nd gen supra has an electronically adjustable suspension on the fly...nothing new there. I'm sure the technology is different/updated for the GTR, but the way they are saying it's an amazing new thing like it's never been done before...BAH! I'm sure toyota wasn't the first to do it either in 1987. Just a little button you push by the shifter that changes the suspension from normal to sport. I wouldn't mind driving a GTR once to see what it's like...but it doesn't really get me excited like an M3 would. But i'd opt for a 1st gen M3! Yeah yeah, i'm just stirring up controversy left and right lol

 

GTR please

I'd ideally I'd drive both if I were making that comparison, but from the sound of it the GTR is something else to drive with steering feel only second to the 911s (and that steering is perfect). Both cars are homely IMHO and filled with gadgets and hi-tech stuff prime for breaking/needing repair. My only concern would be Nissan service, but really BMW service (and engines) have not been all that great* so in the end who can say - luck of the draw as always.


*When I say all that great I mean there have been plenty of problems with them.

 

You can get this one heavily discounted:

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...hedgtr2un9.jpg

 

Love both cars M3 & GTR
Specially M3, but I've always wondered why they dont make it stand out more from regular 3 Series? like the original M3, bulging Fenders!!

Or maybe I'll just buy another MCS and keep the change? heehee

 

I'd take the M3 any day over the GTR.

 

I'd take the M3 too, but only because the refinement of a BMW, especially a M car, is really appealing to me, and IMHO the M3 is much better looking (and sex on wheels)

 

Prices have to be considered, Iv'e heard the M3 will be $60-70k. They are saying the BASE GTR will start at $80k, I bet your looking at $90k+ on it.

 

$60-70k, realistic...

when you go over $80k, not realistic for me... so i will have to
accept a M3.. sigh.

 

where did everyone go?

no i am not getting a M3. i like to have different flavors
in my garage and i dont need a powerful car to have fun
on street.

 

GT-R is a "Grand Tourer", means that its a super car with daily-friendly behaviour, as well as being luxurious... Some ppl say that the only way to get rid of this is by either M3, or the funny Cayman Turbo!!! If this car HAS ALREADY BEATEN the 911 Turbo, then what will those baby montsters do?!?!?

 

not sure what you are saying here . On another note, did anyone see the up comming ZR1, holy moly .

 

GTR! the m3 is for poofs and wannabes. If your set on a bmw tho, the z4m coupe is very nice indeed. Of course, you can buy a lotus exige for that money as well, and that would make a bigger statement. I dont think the m3 makes any statement at all, other than that you think bmws are swell, the gtr is probably going to make a statement, but it still wont be no great shakes. Buy a used 911 or f360 instead. Or fleet up on minis, thats always cool

 

The GTr is going to be the next great thing{period} Out of the box it is a vette killer, 911 killer, and m3 killer. It has shown that in Germany over and over.(just utube these vids) Slap on some mods and you are talking about an unstoppable beast. Nissan has spent the last 9 year totally redefining this car. When the original GtR first came out it conquered almost every race. The only thing at can't do is lose some weight. Love it or hate it as long as it doesn't "get watered down" when it reaches UsoftheA it WILL be the better car for a while until someone knocks it down.

 

no doubt the gtr will decimate all, hahah, i had to use that quote, but i dont know, i still think a 97 turbo, or a f360. the 360 is a bit richer in price, but it is a ferrari after all. hahah they just have more style. But i will hold off final judgement until i actually see a gtr in the flesh

 

Maybe a stock Vette, but the new ZR1 will completly smoke this thing, 625 hp, 11 sec. flat 1/4.

 

I thought thats what we were talking about was stock cars But i am sure if/when some one decides to mod a GtR it will cream the "new" zr1 completely. Nissmo has plans for the new r35 that are scary, I doubt its even drivable after what they want to do with it. But it is a lot off subject, the whole idea was the comparison between the m3 and the new skyline. They are in 2 different classes its like trying to compare the mcs to a to a focus. The go to 2 different high schools Not the same the m3 is more to compare to the infinity g37 really. And yes the m3 is hotter.

 

I guess I meant to say a "regular Corvette" not a ZO6 or the new ZR1. I brought up the Vette orginally just to see if anyone had seen the previews of it, then you brought it up as being "killed".

 

 

The GTR will be too big and heavy to be a fun sports car, supercar performance notwithstanding. It would be more interesting to go the other way -- like an SC Elise or Exige...