Audi R8 the spiritual successor to the NSX?

[sjwaste]

There's more to a car than efficiency, safety, and speed.

I wouldn't trade my 26-year-old 951 (or my 36-year-old 914) for any modern car. No matter how much tech you throw into a car, it's not going to feel the same as a lighter old car. Besides, the visibility in modern cars is terrible. The beltlines are far too high; I miss the low cowl of older cars.

ZV

I agree. Eventually you get lame and buy an Outback like me, but I won't get rid of my old car. I'm trying to add to it, if I can find a reasonably priced, clean MR2 Turbo from 91ish. You probably have an idea of the era and style of cars I like, haha.

 

[Zenmervolt]

You definitely get a lot more for your money today. I still have the original window sticker from my 1991 Toyota Supra Turbo. $31k or so (with all options) got you 232/250 in something that weighed about 3800 lbs. That's 50k today.

It was state of the art at the time, too. 3 channel ABS, 4 wheel coil over shock suspension, LSD, distributorless ignition, FMIC. Interior was mostly normal colors (mine is blue) with digital climate control, 8-way power seats. Impressive in 91, but in today's money we expect a whole lot more for 50k.

You've got to be joking with that 3,800 pounds. That's 600 pounds more than my Volvo sedan (the car I got boring with).

ZV

 

[sjwaste]

You've got to be joking with that 3,800 pounds. That's 600 pounds more than my Volvo sedan (the car I got boring with).

ZV

I'll make you a deal. If you ever make it out to Maine, we'll take a ride in it, and we'll end at the transfer station scales. The old Supras were absolute pigs. There's lots of sound deadening material, trim, and carpets. Let's not even get started on the sprung mass, either. Most components on that car are indestructible, but you pay for it in weight. Curb weight is listed at 3500 lbs, but I don't believe that. MAYBE with no fuel in the tank, no spare tire, and the hood removed.

For reference, the curb weight on my 2011 Outback is 3400 lbs. For a mid size wagon. With AWD components.

How have you been? Still in law school? Don't be in any hurry to graduate, the job market still sucks.

 

[exar333]

Isn't there some law against self incrimination?

I picked an upscale lunch spot that my peers frequent. It happened to be several miles away.

I puttered around for a while. Had to get aquatinted. The R8 was equipped with the fool proof R-Tronic auto-manual. I hate driving a manual in traffic. I am always in traffic, so I was happy. The steering was so sharp, it took a few turns and curves to get used to. A few quick starts from lights, but kept it under 50 MPH since there were a lot of cars on the road.

I had to get the car warmed up so I would be able to do a proper highway merge. I floored it on the entrance ramp and quickly hit 110 MPH. I immediately exited. He asked me why, but he received an answer when I hit 130+ MPH on the next entrance ramp.

He told me I owed him about $5 for the gas I wasted.

The rest of the drive was rather docile. I cruised at 80 to 90 MPH in the far left lane. Did some quick lane changes around a guy doing 45 MPH. Idiot.

Ate steak. Drank scotch.

The ride back to the office was roughly the same, but I held back a bit more. I wanted to see how the car would function as a daily driver. This is my bud's daily driver. I took the entrance ramp at around 70 MPH and, once merged in, floored it to get to the left lane. The pick-up from 70 MPH to 100+ MPH was flawless.

This is going to be a weekly thing. I think.

Now I want an R8. My wife is making me get a sedan. At least she's letting me get the best beast of a sedan in the world. I shouldn't complain. I am definitely trying to sell her on the R8, though.

Why even get an R8 to drive in crappy traffic? Might as well get a optioned-out focus and be done with it. if you just want to look cool while driving to/from work, I guess I could understand that too.

Does not compute.

 

[Arkaign]

Why even get an R8 to drive in crappy traffic? Might as well get a optioned-out focus and be done with it. if you just want to look cool while driving to/from work, I guess I could understand that too.

Does not compute.

Yeah, and if he's excited about the 70+ performance in an R8 4.2, imagine what feeling the power of a GT500 or Z06 at those speeds. It's a world of difference, both viscerally and in raw time. But none of that makes much sense in DFW.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Why even get an R8 to drive in crappy traffic? Might as well get a optioned-out focus and be done with it. if you just want to look cool while driving to/from work, I guess I could understand that too.

Does not compute.

Because if you only have space for one car, the R8 makes a lot of sense. The once or twice a month when you get to drive it without traffic simply can't be duplicated with something like a Focus.

Not everyone wants to have 16 different cars. (I mean, I do, but not everyone does.)

ZV

 

[alkalinetaupehat]

You definitely get a lot more for your money today. I still have the original window sticker from my 1991 Toyota Supra Turbo. $31k or so (with all options) got you 232/250 in something that weighed about 3800 lbs. That's 50k today.

It was state of the art at the time, too. 3 channel ABS, 4 wheel coil over shock suspension, LSD, distributorless ignition, FMIC. Interior was mostly normal colors (mine is blue) with digital climate control, 8-way power seats. Impressive in 91, but in today's money we expect a whole lot more for 50k.

Hey if you don't want it, I'm looking for a turbo/5spd for my car...

Output in 1991 was 232hp/260lb-ft of torque, wheels weigh 22lbs each.

 

[sjwaste]

Hey if you don't want it, I'm looking for a turbo/5spd for my car...

Output in 1991 was 232hp/260lb-ft of torque, wheels weigh 22lbs each.

Worst part is, I still love that car. It's in storage for the winter. When I get it out, I need to take care of some leaky valve cover gaskets, replace some oil fouled spark plugs, and it's good to go. Not bad for 205k miles.

The wheels are boat anchors. I'd be shocked if they "only" weighed 22 lbs. I'll put one on a scale next time I change the tires. That might be due in the spring too, now that I think of it.

Do you have an mk3 supra or are just looking for one?

 

[Safeway]

Yeah, and if he's excited about the 70+ performance in an R8 4.2, imagine what feeling the power of a GT500 or Z06 at those speeds. It's a world of difference, both viscerally and in raw time. But none of that makes much sense in DFW.

Always might have been overstating the traffic issue. I hate driving a manual in traffic at all.

As for the usual Mustang and Corvette suggestions, sure, if you only car about raw speed, go that route. I don't like the look of the Mustang. I don't like the interior of the Corvette.

The Audi R8 is an exotic to most people. You rarely see them. I care about speed and style.

 

[Safeway]

Because if you only have space for one car, the R8 makes a lot of sense. The once or twice a month when you get to drive it without traffic simply can't be duplicated with something like a Focus.

Not everyone wants to have 16 different cars. (I mean, I do, but not everyone does.)

ZV

I have convinced my wife that we need, at least, 4 vehicles.

DD sports sedan for me. (M5)
DD sports coupe for me. (R8, Lotus, Porsche)
DD safe SUV for her and kids. (Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade)
Fun project car for "us." (60s Ford Bronco, vintage Porsche, vintage RR or Bentley)

She doesn't have a problem with this as long as it doesn't interfere with other financial priorities, such as mortgage, retirement, standard of living, etc.

 

[Apex]

Now I want an R8. My wife is making me get a sedan. At least she's letting me get the best beast of a sedan in the world. I shouldn't complain. I am definitely trying to sell her on the R8, though.

Panamera Turbo S?

 

[Safeway]

Panamera Turbo S?

Nice, but she doesn't like that the rear seat is permanently split. And, a used M5 is less expensive.