B-Line

in 2012 they only made 36 R8 V10 in 6MT Spyders. In total they only made 326 of this Gen 1 variant. If you include coupes it's just over 1000.
There aren't many vehicles that have this quality of engine and transmission. I'm the original owner with 15k miles on it.

I recently started going back to the track and bought a very low mile BMW F80 M3 in 6MT. I enjoy it so much I use it mostly as a daily driver too. But it's hard not to get excited when I'm lined up on the grid and I'm surrounded by GT3's, GT4RS's, etc. I often find myself thinking, should I get a 992 GT3 in manual? Use the R8 and M3 money (and garage space) to get a GT3? I would drive it a lot locally as well but would not be my highway workhorse.

Any thoughts? I've never tracked the R8 cause, well, I just don't think of it as a track car. I just don't want to beat on it the same way I would beat up a GT3 or a M3.

The other thing is though, I kinda like the F80 M3 for the track because it's inexpensive to run. The hagarty track day insurance is probably a 1/4 of what the GT3 would cost and the expendables are cheaper. Of course I know a great driver in a GT3 would wipe my butt but I'm an experienced racer and have been tracking cars for 30 years. I chase down GT3's with less experienced drivers all the time.

Guess i'm just coming here for a smack in the head or a pat on the butt. Not sure which. So have fun.

Pics for reference.


Btw, the M3 F80 in 6MT is such a fun car to drive. It deserves more props than it gets. 444hp, so well balanced and easy to drive at the limit on the track.

B-Line

I'd obviously be looking at a 992 preowned. Would probably go for a car with some miles on it cause I would drive the **** out of it anyway.

cactusjack

keep the F80 as a fun daily/canyon car if it's so pristine - they're great on track with just very few mods, but they are getting hard to come by since so many have been tuned, stolen and abused. I would not use your nice example as a track car - I'd buy a higher mileage one instead...

Keep the F80 and get a cheaper GT3 than the 992 if you're hooked on tracking but would miss the M3.

pitt911

I will keep your current setup at this time
The R8 will see very slow depreciation and might be some appreciation in value and it is a great car and way under appreciated.I had two of them
The F80, is a great car , I had three of them , and as you said it is cheaper to maintain
when the GT market comes back to normalcy , then pick a 991.1 or 991.2 GT3RS , which will serve both duties well

Ukkid74

Sell both and get the manual GT3 !

flsupraguy

I had a manual 2011 r8 v10 spyder. Twin turbod it. Sold it. Do not miss it. Gt3 for the win

thoz

After 4 successive GT3s I stopped going to the track, purchased a new 2012 manual V10 R8 spyder and kept it for 10 years. Loved the car and particularly that engine, so I understand your question.

F80s are fun to track but a GT3 (whether 992 or earlier) is a hugely better experience. If you plan to continue track time, I’d suggest a GT3. If not, keep the R8 – it’s old and heavy (particularly as a spyder) - but so enjoyable on the road.

Good luck - no bad choices here!

MaxLTV

The rarity of R8 matters only if you are a collector. Otherwise, it does not make it any better of a car. If you are not a collector, which seems to be the case, ignore the rarity and think which setup will give you more enjoyment NOW. I value experiences much more than things, so I'd totally sell both cars and track the GT3. But the right answer is highly subjective here, so your mileage may vary.

786

Sell whatever you need to get a GT3, it’s that good.

PTS

GT3 and it's not even close. Yes this is a Porsche forum but I say that as objectively as possible. A manual 992 GT3 and you won't even think about that R8 again

kyrocks

I have tried several times to really like and buy an R8 because I like their styling. However every time I drive one, they just disappoint. Both AWD and RWD versions. I would not get hung up on the 1/36 number. It means nothing.

JC Lacayo

+1 GT3>R8. Dailying a g80 comp now.

B-Line

when I was searching for an F80’and getting frustrated I decided to cast my net further and started looking at G80’s also. Found a beautiful one in tanzanite blue and the dealership let me 24 hour test drive it. I loved it. It was amazing. But I still preferred the F80. The G80 was just a little too big and a little too civilized. The F80 felt more analog.

B-Line

out of curiosity, did you drive the V8 or the V10? Tbh, I found the V8 R8 to be lackluster. The V10 is pure enjoyment.
it’s not the track hammer that a 911 is. It’s not as sure footed or as purposeful. But as a canyon thrasher it’s amazing.

kyrocks

Drove both. The V10 sounded great.