Almost traded my E90 M3 for a GT-R...ALMOST...

snowmants · 07-24-2012, 08:07 AM

I have been planning to buy a GT-R for months. After locating a good one, the dealer had it shipped in and I finally I drove the GTR on Saturday. In all honestly I think the e90 M3 is actually more fun to drive on the street. Track is likely a different story, but I already have a track car and this is for the street only....I am very torn right now. I am actually strongly leaning toward keeping the M3! It is crazy because I already added the GTR to my insurance and went in with check in hand and everything ready to drive out with the GTR, but the test drive changed my mind........I took the GTR on my own for about 30 minutes and did a variety of driving from around town, to backroads, to highway, to lowspeed parkinglot manuevering. The GTR was faster, but felt very big compared to the M3. It just wasnt as much fun.....I have the OEM exhaust mod on my e90 M3 and the exhaust note in my M3 was about a million times nicer than that of the GT-R. Doesnt seem like something that should matter but it contributes tio the overall feel of the m3 and the driving experience. I know--honestly it really weirded me out that I wasnt just in love with the GT-R! I dont think it was that the GTR was bad in any way it was more that it made me realize how good the M3 is. I have the DCT in the M3 so the interface is very similar, it wasnt an issue of not being used to the transmission or something like that. Anyway, I am shocked myself as the GTR is a car I have lusted after for a long long time, but I just couldnt get past the fact that I enjoyed the M3 more around town. I couldnt lie to myself.

Alexnyc · 07-24-2012, 08:15 AM

I'm shocked. I've been lusting about the GTR for years and actually decided on making that my next car. I would have to get behind the wheel of one. This is just too hard to believe. I figured once you get behind the wheel of one you would forget you ever drove an M.

THE TECH · 07-24-2012, 08:18 AM

Very interesting.

snowmants · 07-24-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexnyc

I'm shocked. I've been lusting about the GTR for years and actually decided on making that my next car. I would have to get behind the wheel of one. This is just too hard to believe. I figured once you get behind the wheel of one you would forget you ever drove an M.

I thought the same thing... But the m3 was more engaging and interesting. It felt more maneuverable, like you could toss it around more. It felt more rough and tumble--more organic than the GTR. The GTR felt more like I had boarded a very fast train. Hard to explain really....
Dont get me wrong, I loved the GTR and i love the look of the GTR and the presence it has on the road, I just really enjoyed driving the M3 more! Had they been the same price or had the GTR been only $15k or so more than the M3 I probabaly would have gotten the GT-R just to experience something different, but when I relaized that I could keep my M3 and get a Lotus Elise for the same price as upgrading to the GTR....I just couldnt justify it. It just didnt blow me away in the way I thought it would.
If I get a GTR later down the line, It would have to be in addition to my m3 vs. replacing my m3.

THE TECH · 07-24-2012, 08:39 AM

While I've never driven a GT-R, the M3 has been a let down to me in the power department from the day it arrived at the dealer. The GT-R appears to be a larger car but whether that's more in your head or not would really be the question. All-in-all it seems like you are happy with your decision and that's all that matters.

SCCAForums.com · 07-24-2012, 09:22 AM

SNOW... you just need a 'mid-pipe'... added to the GTR (about $750)... and the car sounds amazing... Just like you had to do a 'little' mod to get that 'right' sound out of the M3... same goes for the GTR.

Peace,
Dave

snowmants · 07-24-2012, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCCAForums.com

SNOW... you just need a 'mid-pipe'... added to the GTR (about $750)... and the car sounds amazing... Just like you had to do a 'little' mod to get that 'right' sound out of the M3... same goes for the GTR.

Peace,
Dave

interesting point. That probabaly would help quite a bit, but there was more to it than just the sound. I will probably end up with GTR eventually, but it will be in addition to the M3 I think.

M3sicko · 07-24-2012, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmants

interesting point. That probabaly would help quite a bit, but there was more to it than just the sound. I will probably end up with GTR eventually, but it will be in addition to the M3 I think.

1+, the GTR will never replace my M3. Will only be an addition to it.

konaforever · 07-24-2012, 09:36 AM

I bought 2009 GTR about a year ago, but admittedly I wasn't convinced after the first drive either. I was coming from a smaller 350z with manual transmission, and it took a while for the DCT to grow on me. Also the GTR is much bigger.

But then getting back in my 350z after the test drive, I could immediately notice the difference in power and comfort. That's when I test drove the GTR again to make sure I liked it, then finally bought one. Though not the same one I test drove.

IFX · 07-24-2012, 09:37 AM

It seems to be that M owners find a reason not to get into a GT-R.

Totally different drivers, with different intentions imo.

1MOREMOD · 07-24-2012, 09:41 AM

i felt similarly about the m3 after my test drive but bought it anyways. i think the m3 is a car that has to be driven for a while to really love its atributes. i was not used to such a high end revy motor and once you drive it properly it is hard to beat. the love continues to grow. on the other hand i fully expect to love the shit of the gtr first thing as its so accesible to everyone right out of the box? cant go wrong with either but if you didnt love it mod you m3 and keep that thing around. thats my plan.

991GT3 · 07-24-2012, 10:21 AM

Most cars need to be driven a long time to get a real feel for them.
When I first bought a GTR I had a CLK63 Black Series. I preferred the Mercedes at first and kept both for over 6 months. During that time I got use to the GTR and ended up dumping the Merc because I didn't even want to drive it anymore(plus it was costing a mint).
On the exhaust note front, it can work the other way too.
I was disappointment with the lack of a significant noise coming from the Nissan. But after having driven 3 progressive GTRs when I test drive vehicles that have significant exhaust notes that don't perform as well it seems gratuitous. It's like one of those noisy pick ups that make all kinds of racket but don't accelerate quickly(I felt that way when I was test driving a 991 Carrera S).

CSanto · 07-24-2012, 10:32 AM

This may sound silly because the cosmetic upgrades on the 2012+ are so subtle, but to my eye the 2011 and older GTRs are starting to look Old.

snowmants · 07-24-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 997GT3

On the exhaust note front, it can work the other way too.
I was disappointment with the lack of a significant noise coming from the Nissan. But after having driven 3 progressive GTRs when I test drive vehicles that have significant exhaust notes that don't perform as well it seems gratuitous. It's like one of those noisy pick ups that make all kinds of racket but don't accelerate quickly(I felt that way when I was test driving a 991 Carrera S).

Point well taken.

Again, I absolutely loved the GT-R, just not enough to give up my M3 for it. While the M3 is all paid off and it would be possible, it would be financially irresponsible for me to keep both currently.

TRY...M3 · 07-24-2012, 12:15 PM

I have to disagree. I think when the new M3 comes out then I will get the GT-R, until then I'm happy with my M3

NoM3ForMe · 07-24-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmants

interesting point. That probabaly would help quite a bit, but there was more to it than just the sound. I will probably end up with GTR eventually, but it will be in addition to the M3 I think.

...it was my PM's that swayed you, and not driving the GT-R itself.

Onurleft · 07-24-2012, 01:19 PM

I'm not surprised at all really, not to mention you are loosing all the practicality when switching daily drivers like that

UnaBomber · 07-24-2012, 01:20 PM

All it took me was a quick jump on the expressway and I knew i needed GTR in my life

UnaBomber · 07-24-2012, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onurleft

I'm not surprised at all really, not to mention you are loosing all the practicality when switching daily drivers like that

what practicality? what can your M3 do that my GTR cant?

assuming you have a coupe of course

snowmants · 07-24-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoM3ForMe

...it was my PM's that swayed you, and not driving the GT-R itself.

It was definitely the drive!

snowmants · 07-24-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnaBomber

All it took me was a quick jump on the expressway and I knew i needed GTR in my life

I was merging onto a 70 mph highway and looked down and I was going about 20mph faster than I expected. It accelerates so effortlessly.

snowmants · 07-24-2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnaBomber

what practicality? what can your M3 do that my GTR cant?

assuming you have a coupe of course

Yeah i think he was saying that because I have the 4 door e90.

07-24-2012, 08:07 AM	#1
snowmants Captain 46 Rep 637 Posts Drives: '06S2K,'11EVO,'11Jeep,'13GL450 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Charlottesville, VA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW E90 M3 [10.00]	Almost traded my E90 M3 for a GT-R...ALMOST... I have been planning to buy a GT-R for months. After locating a good one, the dealer had it shipped in and I finally I drove the GTR on Saturday. In all honestly I think the e90 M3 is actually more fun to drive on the street. Track is likely a different story, but I already have a track car and this is for the street only....I am very torn right now. I am actually strongly leaning toward keeping the M3! It is crazy because I already added the GTR to my insurance and went in with check in hand and everything ready to drive out with the GTR, but the test drive changed my mind........I took the GTR on my own for about 30 minutes and did a variety of driving from around town, to backroads, to highway, to lowspeed parkinglot manuevering. The GTR was faster, but felt very big compared to the M3. It just wasnt as much fun.....I have the OEM exhaust mod on my e90 M3 and the exhaust note in my M3 was about a million times nicer than that of the GT-R. Doesnt seem like something that should matter but it contributes tio the overall feel of the m3 and the driving experience. I know--honestly it really weirded me out that I wasnt just in love with the GT-R! I dont think it was that the GTR was bad in any way it was more that it made me realize how good the M3 is. I have the DCT in the M3 so the interface is very similar, it wasnt an issue of not being used to the transmission or something like that. Anyway, I am shocked myself as the GTR is a car I have lusted after for a long long time, but I just couldnt get past the fact that I enjoyed the M3 more around town. I couldnt lie to myself. Last edited by snowmants; 07-24-2012 at 08:26 AM..
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07-24-2012, 08:15 AM	#2
Alexnyc Private First Class 4 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New york iTrader: (2)	I'm shocked. I've been lusting about the GTR for years and actually decided on making that my next car. I would have to get behind the wheel of one. This is just too hard to believe. I figured once you get behind the wheel of one you would forget you ever drove an M.
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07-24-2012, 08:18 AM	#3
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Very interesting.
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07-24-2012, 08:39 AM	#5
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	While I've never driven a GT-R, the M3 has been a let down to me in the power department from the day it arrived at the dealer. The GT-R appears to be a larger car but whether that's more in your head or not would really be the question. All-in-all it seems like you are happy with your decision and that's all that matters.
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07-24-2012, 09:22 AM	#6
SCCAForums.com Captain 39 Rep 726 Posts Drives: Race Cars Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (2)	SNOW... you just need a 'mid-pipe'... added to the GTR (about $750)... and the car sounds amazing... Just like you had to do a 'little' mod to get that 'right' sound out of the M3... same goes for the GTR. Peace, Dave __________________ 2010 ZR1 3ZR Wht/Blk 10.7 @ 132 2011 C63 AMG P31 Car Blk/Blk 11.8 @ 117 2010 Nissan GT-R 10.8 @ 129 (Sold) 2008 Lexus IS-F (Sold) 12.5 @ 113 / 2008 Shelby GT500 (Sold) 11.3 @ 126 2008 e90 M3 6MT 12.8 @ 111 (Sold) / 2006 e60 M5 12.4 @ 114 (Sold)
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07-24-2012, 09:36 AM	#9
konaforever Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 243 Posts Drives: 2009 Red GTR Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I bought 2009 GTR about a year ago, but admittedly I wasn't convinced after the first drive either. I was coming from a smaller 350z with manual transmission, and it took a while for the DCT to grow on me. Also the GTR is much bigger. But then getting back in my 350z after the test drive, I could immediately notice the difference in power and comfort. That's when I test drove the GTR again to make sure I liked it, then finally bought one. Though not the same one I test drove.
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07-24-2012, 09:37 AM	#10
IFX Banned 67 Rep 2,536 Posts Drives: AW e46M/N54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Fla. iTrader: (1)	It seems to be that M owners find a reason not to get into a GT-R. Totally different drivers, with different intentions imo.
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07-24-2012, 09:41 AM	#11
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	i felt similarly about the m3 after my test drive but bought it anyways. i think the m3 is a car that has to be driven for a while to really love its atributes. i was not used to such a high end revy motor and once you drive it properly it is hard to beat. the love continues to grow. on the other hand i fully expect to love the shit of the gtr first thing as its so accesible to everyone right out of the box? cant go wrong with either but if you didnt love it mod you m3 and keep that thing around. thats my plan. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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07-24-2012, 10:21 AM	#12
991GT3 Captain 92 Rep 885 Posts Drives: Ford Raptor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North Dakota iTrader: (0)	Most cars need to be driven a long time to get a real feel for them. When I first bought a GTR I had a CLK63 Black Series. I preferred the Mercedes at first and kept both for over 6 months. During that time I got use to the GTR and ended up dumping the Merc because I didn't even want to drive it anymore(plus it was costing a mint). On the exhaust note front, it can work the other way too. I was disappointment with the lack of a significant noise coming from the Nissan. But after having driven 3 progressive GTRs when I test drive vehicles that have significant exhaust notes that don't perform as well it seems gratuitous. It's like one of those noisy pick ups that make all kinds of racket but don't accelerate quickly(I felt that way when I was test driving a 991 Carrera S). __________________ -2016 Macan Turbo(GF vehicle) -2017 Ford Raptor
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07-24-2012, 10:32 AM	#13
CSanto Brigadier General 636 Rep 3,039 Posts Drives: 2015 BSM/SO M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	This may sound silly because the cosmetic upgrades on the 2012+ are so subtle, but to my eye the 2011 and older GTRs are starting to look Old.
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07-24-2012, 12:15 PM	#15
TRY...M3 Major 85 Rep 1,430 Posts Drives: Depends on the day Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: PA iTrader: (2)	I have to disagree. I think when the new M3 comes out then I will get the GT-R, until then I'm happy with my M3 __________________ e92///M3 TT Lamborghini Gallardo INSTAGRAM: CHRISTIANPERLES Lamborghini-Talk.com: Christian.
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07-24-2012, 01:19 PM	#17
Onurleft Captain 50 Rep 873 Posts Drives: RPM Join Date: May 2010 Location: Baton Rouge and Atlanta iTrader: (0)	I'm not surprised at all really, not to mention you are loosing all the practicality when switching daily drivers like that __________________ Youtube Shenanigans
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07-24-2012, 01:20 PM	#18
UnaBomber Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2012 X5, 2010 GTR Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Bluffton, SC iTrader: (0)	All it took me was a quick jump on the expressway and I knew i needed GTR in my life __________________ 2015 Alpha16 GTR -17xx WHP, 14xx WTQ, 213 HALF MILE 2010 Nissan GTR,TopSpeed Motorsports 4.4 Liter Alpha12+ Motec, JRZs, HREs, Alcon SuperKit, Carbon Errything,etc 8.97@164 - 206.99 half mile - 1401whp 1095tq Road Race Prepped Monster Killed on Hellbender 28
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