E92 M3 vs. GT3 vs. GT-R AUTOCAR Video

[devo]

Originally Posted by southlight

...says the 100k GG guy j/k


Best regards, south

Haha

[usdmsilvia]

Originally Posted by moog55

The GT-R may be faster, but it looks and sounds ordinary compared to the porsche and m3. and at the end of the day, it's still just a nissan.

Yup. It's a lowly Nissan that SMOKES a high horse BMW and Porsche

Originally Posted by moog55

What are you talking about? I'm not complimenting that at all and not being an apologist for the M3 and GT3 losing to the GT-R. If I'm going to be spending $75k+ for a car, it sure isn't going to be for a Nissan - I don't care HOW fast it is. It's about as stupid of an idea as spending over $90k on a Viper. You're still just driving a Dodge.

Cool. I'll race you in my GT-R for pink slips. Then you could WALK home haha That's assuming your M3 will even STOP after being driven a few hard laps. 400hp and 3500lbs with single piston sliding caliper brakes? What's BMW thinking?

Originally Posted by Ronno111

All those who are running to put green down on the GT-R after seeing this.... I just want to remind you of 1 very important thing.... It's a NISSAN.

Save up a few more pennies and go buy a base model Porsche Carrera. It may not be the fastest $90k car out there, but at least it's not a NISSAN!!!

enuf said.

You sir must be a spoiled brat and your parents probably bought your car for you. Even if I were Bill Gates I STILL wouldn't fork up more money to buy a SLOWER car that will break down all the time just to floss the "Porsche" badge. BRANDWHORE!!!

Originally Posted by pp971

would anyone really cross shop the M3 to a Nissan?

I personally like the design, styling and power of the e92 M3. I absolutely HATE the brakes and the reliability. I was actually considering buying one. Unfortunately BMW's are too unreliable compared to Nissans. I would also have a very bitter taste in my stomach if I spend $60k on an M3 then get smoked by a GT-R knowing that for $10k more I could get a GT-R.

[Garissimo]

Originally Posted by usdmsilvia

I personally like the design, styling and power of the e92 M3. I absolutely HATE the brakes and the reliability.

How did this myth that Nissan has better reliability than BMW get started? J.D. Power's quality rankings for 2007 have BMW 7th among all manufacturers. Nissan is way down on the list at 30th.

Originally Posted by usdmsilvia

I was actually considering buying one. Unfortunately BMW's are too unreliable compared to Nissans.

May have been true 10 years ago. Not now.

Originally Posted by usdmsilvia

I would also have a very bitter taste in my stomach if I spend $60k on an M3 then get smoked by a GT-R knowing that for $10k more I could get a GT-R.

Most GT-Rs aren't going to be selling for MSRP. So that $10K difference is more like $20K in reality. If you don't need to put real adults in the back seat, don't mind having to same monkeys that wrench on Altimas and Sentras service it, and don't mind mopping off drool from the the throngs of 19 year old Asian and White males that the car is bound to attract, it's a pretty tempting alternative. Nissan did a hell of a job with the drivetrain and although not a fan of the styling initially, I'm starting to slowly warm to it. I just don't see the M3 as being less desirable because Nissan finally brought the GT-R stateside.

[E394KEN]

I was really not feeling the GTR, more biased toward the Porsche 911 and M3. But after reading, and watcing a great deal of info on this car. I actually made an inquiry for availability. Of course I have not put the hammer down but the thought of going back to a japanese car is a testament to how great the GTR really is. Performance alone is worth the price of admission.

But, as I soooo recently remember with my old 350Z service was so so compared to the level I get from BMW. I can only imagine being the new guinea pig in town, trusting a newbie tech guy to my 70K toy. Youre definitly dealing with a different sort of crowd in the Nissan world. Good and bad.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by Ronno111

All those who are running to put green down on the GT-R after seeing this.... I just want to remind you of 1 very important thing.... It's a NISSAN.

Save up a few more pennies and go buy a base model Porsche Carrera. It may not be the fastest $90k car out there, but at least it's not a NISSAN!!!

enuf said.

I agree this is one of the more ignorant posts on this forum.
Badge conscious whores.

[Tattedtwice]

Originally Posted by usdmsilvia

Yup. It's a lowly Nissan that SMOKES a high horse BMW and Porsche

I don't want to speak for all the M3 and Porsche owners out there, but, personally that little jab doesn't hurt one bit. I mean, shouldn't a car with a forcefed engine, more horses, and the advantage of AWD launches be faster? And since the M3 and Porsche are anything but slow, there's no reason to be embarrassed about losing a quick race. I know that concept is foreign to overcompensating types who need to be fastest to feel better, though.

Cool. I'll race you in my GT-R for pink slips. Then you could WALK home haha

You started out sounding about 19-20 years old, and now you're down to 17-18.

That's assuming your M3 will even STOP after being driven a few hard laps. 400hp and 3500lbs with single piston sliding caliper brakes? What's BMW thinking

This will go over your head, since trolls and fanboys tend to like holding onto a car's worst test results to make it look bad, but, in Edmunds review of the M3, they pointblank said, "the M3 stopped from 60 mph in 100 feet, which is the shortest stopping distance we've ever recorded" and, "....despite this hard use, the brake performance of all the cars we drove held up well". That ONE M3, that was the reviewer's personal car, had bad brakes; doesn't mean they ALL will, kiddo.

You sir must be a spoiled brat and your parents probably bought your car for you. Even if I were Bill Gates I STILL wouldn't fork up more money to buy a SLOWER car that will break down all the time just to floss the "Porsche" badge. BRANDWHORE!!!

You're on nissan's jock, how are you not a brandho yourself?

Unfortunately BMW's are too unreliable compared to Nissans.

Damn, where is that smilie for rolling on the floor, laughing out loud when you need it. I wont touch that other than say you may want to check your facts, and something other than web forums. Besides, intimating that a new from the ground up car will or wont be reliable based on the badge is pretty ignorant.

I would also have a very bitter taste in my stomach if I spend $60k on an M3 then get smoked by a GT-R knowing that for $10k more I could get a GT-R.

You clearly feel like you have to be fastest. That's kinda sad, really.
But hey, if 4.1 to 60 ain't good enough for you, oh well; enjoy your nissan.

[RandyB]

Haha! Nice, Tattedtwice!

[SCBMW02]

read my write up on the car in another thread as I spent 3 days wringing this car out on the Nurburgring. Road and Track's numbers show this car is damn near equal to the GT3 (M3 0-60 4.1/ grip 0.98g / brakes 60-0 112 ft.) and for the price of a GT3 I can have the M3 and maybe enough left for the 135i convertible! OK we cheated on the ring and used race brake pads which only started to go off after a ton of hot laps and braking exercises. Throw in a few $$ for some race pads and that still gives you a hell of a lot of fun and a lot of money in your pocket. The driving impressions of this (and any) car are subjective, but I think I have a little better feel for the car after doing what amounted to an M school on the ring with it.

[Last E92 M3]

GTR - more of track/weekender/better performer (dont flame me for this one. lol) so pure performance if i have to say.
m3 - better daily/more relaxed car/etc. so i guess this falls under chick magnet lol

yesterday i hang around with my friends and we happened to talk about this and it makes sense...it's just nissan vs m.
i am not saying that it's just nissan or w/e and totally agree, it's a very ignorant comment but most of people who dont care much for cars see that way.

we've seen more m series in US than GTRs so there.

thats how i see it at least

also, i will most likely pick m3 over gtr (not because of the price but praticality(?))

[usdmsilvia]

Originally Posted by Tattedtwice

I don't want to speak for all the M3 and Porsche owners out there, but, personally that little jab doesn't hurt one bit. I mean, shouldn't a car with a forcefed engine, more horses, and the advantage of AWD launches be faster? And since the M3 and Porsche are anything but slow, there's no reason to be embarrassed about losing a quick race. I know that concept is foreign to overcompensating types who need to be fastest to feel better, though.

Sure it doesn't bother you, that's why you responded. I'm sure Porsche and BMW are embarrassed and working on a solution right now.

Originally Posted by Tattedtwice

You started out sounding about 19-20 years old, and now you're down to 17-18.

Riiight. I was responding to someone elses post. The GT-R will smoke the M3 in a straight line. This is now fact. Sorry to disappoint you, but it also smoked the M3 and Porsche on the track, you know, with curves and everything? And when I buy a car it will be for value, driveability and all around performance. At this time, the GT-R beats all competitors hands down.

Originally Posted by Tattedtwice

This will go over your head, since trolls and fanboys tend to like holding onto a car's worst test results to make it look bad, but, in Edmunds review of the M3, they pointblank said, "the M3 stopped from 60 mph in 100 feet, which is the shortest stopping distance we've ever recorded" and, "....despite this hard use, the brake performance of all the cars we drove held up well". That ONE M3, that was the reviewer's personal car, had bad brakes; doesn't mean they ALL will, kiddo.

Sorry to disappoint you again, "kiddo," but BMW brakes DO SUCK ASS. Don't get butt hurt about it, sliding single piston calipers on a 3500lb car will NEVER hold up as well as 6 piston fixed calipers. BMW needs to take lessons from Porsche on this one.

Originally Posted by Tattedtwice

You're on nissan's jock, how are you not a brandho yourself?

Nah son, I'm jockin' whichever manufacturer offers the best value, driveability and all around performance. IMO that happens to be Nissan. My current "fun" car is a 240sx. 240's are cheap, light, nimble AND rwd. They're also cheap to fix up and waaay faster in a straight line and around a track compared to other cars that cost more than 3 times as much. There's nothing more fun than beating guys at the track with way more expensive cars, didn't you know?

Originally Posted by Tattedtwice

Damn, where is that smilie for rolling on the floor, laughing out loud when you need it. I wont touch that other than say you may want to check your facts, and something other than web forums. Besides, intimating that a new from the ground up car will or wont be reliable based on the badge is pretty ignorant.

Interesting. My best friend had a 2001 e46 325ci that ran well for 4 years. Right after the 4 year service contract expired his a/c unit went bad and it cost him a grand. Another friend of mine bought a used e46 m3 and a week after he bought it the m-lok differential seal went out and he had to fork out a grand. These things don't happen as often with japanese cars.

Originally Posted by Tattedtwice

You clearly feel like you have to be fastest. That's kinda sad, really.
But hey, if 4.1 to 60 ain't good enough for you, oh well; enjoy your nissan.

You still don't get it, do you? There will always be a faster car, but in the case of the GT-R there isn't a better value available. I was just responding to the people who wrote off the GT-R just because "It's a Nissan." If you're one of those people who feel that way, step on up and put your money against the GT-R.

[ChrisFastM3]

Hey usdmsilvia,

I'm on your side bro. There is no doubt the GT-R has amazing OEM performance. Lets put it in perspective though, a $3900 (retail) turbo kit for the STI wll give you about 600 WHP. My point is that once you step away from NA, it's easy to get serious power gains for cheap.

There are a few things that kept me away from the GT-R

1. Looks (I tried to love it, but can't. No sex appeal IMHO)
2. Luxury (for the price, it needs a lot more)
3. Service (my friends with Nissans had some bad experiences)
4. Social Stigma (too boy racer, even though I don't think this applies to you since you race for pinks and all )

Now the ///M

1. Sexy, check
2. Luxury, check
3. Service, check
4. Sophisticated
5. Engine, 420 hp out of a NA 4.0 V8 (thats Ferrari style tuning)
6. Brakes (shortest stop ever recorded by Edmunds)
and more.......................

[TransporterE92]

Originally Posted by moog55

The GT-R may be faster, but it looks and sounds ordinary compared to the porsche and m3. and at the end of the day, it's still just a nissan.

I don't like the way you think about cars.

[errant]

For the longest time, i've dreamnt, fantasized and drooled over the upcoming E90/92 M3. I even placed my deposit down 8 months ago.

But now that both cars are available, and i've seen/sat in them both in the flesh (i'm in singapore), i just couldn't bear to push ahead with the M3, knowing that as i cruise down the road in my 3'ser on steroids, seeing a GT-R go past me will make me wish i had jumped into that- and not to mention, may also cause me to 'look down and fiddle with my stereo'.

But it's not just the performance i'm talking about- looks-wise, the M3 is ultimately still a 3 series.. and if you want to follow the "chick magnet" argument, try explaining to 95% of chicks out there the difference between an M3, 335i or even 325i. The GT-R on the other hand may not be beautiful, but then again, numerous articles quoting it's designers have stated that they never intended for it to be. One thing is for sure- it doesn't look like anything else on the road, unlike how an M3 could easily be mistaken for another 3 series by both the fairer sex, as well as many non-enthusiasts.

In a nutshell, i decided to keep a GT-R for my track day/weekend jaunts, and foresake the M3 for a less hardcore E93 335i as a daily driver. Hey, all chicks care about are looks, right? Figured a nicely modded 335i convertible does the job well enough. Wish i could have both GT-R and M3 though, like Devo!

[devo]

Originally Posted by errant

For the longest time, i've dreamnt, fantasized and drooled over the upcoming E90/92 M3. I even placed my deposit down 8 months ago.

But now that both cars are available, and i've seen/sat in them both in the flesh (i'm in singapore), i just couldn't bear to push ahead with the M3, knowing that as i cruise down the road in my 3'ser on steroids, seeing a GT-R go past me will make me wish i had jumped into that- and not to mention, may also cause me to 'look down and fiddle with my stereo'.

But it's not just the performance i'm talking about- looks-wise, the M3 is ultimately still a 3 series.. and if you want to follow the "chick magnet" argument, try explaining to 95% of chicks out there the difference between an M3, 335i or even 325i. The GT-R on the other hand may not be beautiful, but then again, numerous articles quoting it's designers have stated that they never intended for it to be. One thing is for sure- it doesn't look like anything else on the road, unlike how an M3 could easily be mistaken for another 3 series by both the fairer sex, as well as many non-enthusiasts.

In a nutshell, i decided to keep a GT-R for my track day/weekend jaunts, and foresake the M3 for a less hardcore E93 335i as a daily driver. Hey, all chicks care about are looks, right? Figured a nicely modded 335i convertible does the job well enough. Wish i could have both GT-R and M3 though, like Devo!

Cheers, you will have the best of both worlds too, with a modded E93 335 and a GT-R!

[BMW335icDDS]

Originally Posted by rvacha

Chris describes them as "slightly worm rubber" - did I miss bald somewhere?

+1. The GTR simply owns the M3 on any track under ANY condition.

[BMW335icDDS]

Originally Posted by Ronno111

All those who are running to put green down on the GT-R after seeing this.... I just want to remind you of 1 very important thing.... It's a NISSAN.

Save up a few more pennies and go buy a base model Porsche Carrera. It may not be the fastest $90k car out there, but at least it's not a NISSAN!!!

enuf said.

HAHA, I am on a waitlist for a GT-R, I have photos of OUR Porsche Carrera S on this forum, and I like the GT-R the most. HAHA, the Nissan will absolutely destroy any car you ever own in any performance category. That is hilarious.

[Krueger///M3]

Originally Posted by usdmsilvia

Sure it doesn't bother you, that's why you responded. I'm sure Porsche and BMW are embarrassed and working on a solution right now.




Riiight. I was responding to someone elses post. The GT-R will smoke the M3 in a straight line. This is now fact. Sorry to disappoint you, but it also smoked the M3 and Porsche on the track, you know, with curves and everything? And when I buy a car it will be for value, driveability and all around performance. At this time, the GT-R beats all competitors hands down.



Sorry to disappoint you again, "kiddo," but BMW brakes DO SUCK ASS. Don't get butt hurt about it, sliding single piston calipers on a 3500lb car will NEVER hold up as well as 6 piston fixed calipers. BMW needs to take lessons from Porsche on this one.




Nah son, I'm jockin' whichever manufacturer offers the best value, driveability and all around performance. IMO that happens to be Nissan. My current "fun" car is a 240sx. 240's are cheap, light, nimble AND rwd. They're also cheap to fix up and waaay faster in a straight line and around a track compared to other cars that cost more than 3 times as much. There's nothing more fun than beating guys at the track with way more expensive cars, didn't you know?



Interesting. My best friend had a 2001 e46 325ci that ran well for 4 years. Right after the 4 year service contract expired his a/c unit went bad and it cost him a grand. Another friend of mine bought a used e46 m3 and a week after he bought it the m-lok differential seal went out and he had to fork out a grand. These things don't happen as often with japanese cars.



You still don't get it, do you? There will always be a faster car, but in the case of the GT-R there isn't a better value available. I was just responding to the people who wrote off the GT-R just because "It's a Nissan." If you're one of those people who feel that way, step on up and put your money against the GT-R.

To start this off, I am in the lottery for the new GTR at a dealer, but still don't trash the M3. The M3 has never been in the class of the GTR and still isn't, M3 drivers are glad that the M3 is even being included in comparisons with GT3 and GTRs. And please, the brakes do not suck if they posted the best 60-0 distances ever recorded. And you can't just say that BMWs aren't reliable based off of 2 cars...

[Hammerwerfer]

Theo Kleen of Rent-Racecar has fitted the front calipers from the 135i to the E92 M3. They seem to be a cost effective upgrade.

[gator1215]

Originally Posted by moog55

The GT-R may be faster, but it looks and sounds ordinary compared to the porsche and m3. and at the end of the day, it's still just a nissan.

Not to rehash the same argument, but comments like this reminds me of my "noveau riche" brother in law who will buy a Rolex for the name, drive a BMW because everybody does so, and wear Polo shirts with the large brand name on them so everybody knows he paid $50 for a T-shirt...

You should not be allowed to post in a car forum when all you care about is a brand.

The lesson from the video, which we all know is comparing apples to oranges, is that the Porsche and BMW are much more interactive cars requiring much more driver input. The GT-R is simply THE BEST car out there overall. Yes. That is correct, best car out there.

It may not have the Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, or Lambo badge, but most people who order a GT-R will know what they are getting for their money, they will appreciate it for all the right reasons, and they will know how to drive it like it's meant to be driven.

If that is not a "select" club for all the brand-whores out there, I don't know what is.

My brother in law, who has a 997, put it best:

"After you smoke me on the track who do you think the chicks are going to hover around when we stop at the bar on the way home, your Nissan or my Porsche?"

If you drive your car to "get chicks" and attention from others you are not allowed to make idiotic comments for those of us who actually have a passion for the vehicle itself and drive it for the sheer joy it brings to our lives.

Whatever brand that may be.

So, go get yourself a over-priced Polo shirt (made in Indonesia), a $6,000 Submariner (which will never be used for its intended purpose and will tell worse time, realistically, than a $50 Timex), and a $150,000 Porsche Turbo (if you can afford it -likely not).

Just shut the f@#$ up about what the smart people elect to do with their money.

Yes. That was my first post. Hello everybody.

BTW, I own a 05 M3 with a gorgeous Dinan SC, an 08 GTI which is a fantastic DD (70 mile commute), a '78 Trans-Am (my dream car), and I'm on "the list" for a GT-R (waiting game...).

[Steved]

Originally Posted by gator1215

Not to rehash the same argument, but comments like this reminds me of my "noveau riche" brother in law who will buy a Rolex for the name, drive a BMW because everybody does so, and wear Polo shirts with the large brand name on them so everybody knows he paid $50 for a T-shirt...

You should not be allowed to post in a car forum when all you care about is a brand.

The lesson from the video, which we all know is comparing apples to oranges, is that the Porsche and BMW are much more interactive cars requiring much more driver input. The GT-R is simply THE BEST car out there overall. Yes. That is correct, best car out there.

It may not have the Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, or Lambo badge, but most people who order a GT-R will know what they are getting for their money, they will appreciate it for all the right reasons, and they will know how to drive it like it's meant to be driven.

If that is not a "select" club for all the brand-whores out there, I don't know what is.

My brother in law, who has a 997, put it best:

"After you smoke me on the track who do you think the chicks are going to hover around when we stop at the bar on the way home, your Nissan or my Porsche?"

If you drive your car to "get chicks" and attention from others you are not allowed to make idiotic comments for those of us who actually have a passion for the vehicle itself and drive it for the sheer joy it brings to our lives.

Whatever brand that may be.

So, go get yourself a over-priced Polo shirt (made in Indonesia), a $6,000 Submariner (which will never be used for its intended purpose and will tell worse time, realistically, than a $50 Timex), and a $150,000 Porsche Turbo (if you can afford it -likely not).

Just shut the f@#$ up about what the smart people elect to do with their money.

Yes. That was my first post. Hello everybody.

BTW, I own a 05 M3 with a gorgeous Dinan SC, an 08 GTI which is a fantastic DD (70 mile commute), a '78 Trans-Am (my dream car), and I'm on "the list" for a GT-R (waiting game...).

VERY good points.

When you get to drive a GT-R you will realise that its a truly impressive machine (regardless of the brand) and I'm sure Nissan are delighted that it is causing such consternation. I honestly cannot fault it as a car, it is one of the most complete performance cars on sale today (bar none). From a drivers standpoint its a proper machine.

I do however recognise that some people buy cars for reasons other than the way they drive, and I wouldn't suggest for one minute that the GT-R is as desirable from a brand, looks or cachet perspective, but it certainly deserves your attention (and respect).

[footie]

Originally Posted by Steved

VERY good points.

When you get to drive a GT-R you will realise that its a truly impressive machine (regardless of the brand) and I'm sure Nissan are delighted that it is causing such consternation. I honestly cannot fault it as a car, it is one of the most complete performance cars on sale today (bar none). From a drivers standpoint its a proper machine.

I do however recognise that some people buy cars for reasons other than the way they drive, and I wouldn't suggest for one minute that the GT-R is as desirable from a brand, looks or cachet perspective, but it certainly deserves your attention (and respect).

You both have valid points, but may I add one more to the mix, residuals. I think the GTR is an incredible piece of kit and currently the one to beat in terms of handling, balance and performance/£, but part of the reasons for picking certain brands are their residuals. Everyone knows Porsches hold their money amazingly well, likewise Ferrari, even the RS4 and M3 do very well for mainstream brands but I doubt the GTR will fair quite as well.

Maybe the fact they are not all imports like the last version (apart from the official 100) should help a bit but to more people it's still a Nissan, the people that brought us the Micra.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great car but you have to be committed to decide on owning one.

P.S.

I don't mean to an institution when I say committed, just case you all got the wrong idea.

[Steved]

Originally Posted by footie

You both have valid points, but may I add one more to the mix, residuals. I think the GTR is an incredible piece of kit and currently the one to beat in terms of handling, balance and performance/£, but part of the reasons for picking certain brands are their residuals. Everyone knows Porsches hold their money amazingly well, likewise Ferrari, even the RS4 and M3 do very well for mainstream brands but I doubt the GTR will fair quite as well.

Maybe the fact they are not all imports like the last version (apart from the official 100) should help a bit but to more people it's still a Nissan, the people that brought us the Micra.

Actually I seem to remember that the R34 Skyline GT-R had awesome residuals, even now you'd be lucky to see one for less than £30k and they were c. £54k 5 years ago. I'm actually expecting the R35 GT-R to better the R34 in that respect.