Thinking about trading my GT-R for an M4 or M3 - thoughts?

[R1-Racer]

Hey guys, looking for some insight here.

I currently have a '13 GT-R Black Edition that I bought earlier this year, after being a little underwhelmed by an M4 I test drove. The GT-R I had built up a bit by a well known tuner and Time Attack car owner and in terms of power, I love the car. It makes a touch over 700 wheel horsepower on pump and for me it feels more than fast enough for any occasion.

The only thing I don't like about it is that it's a bit less refined and this sounds silly, but it has limited seat adjustment. I jacked up my back shortly after buying the GT-R and it's not as comfortable on longer rides.

I'm curious if any of you have had the opportunity to drive a car similar to mine and an M3 or M4 with a turbo upgrade. Obviously, with my car having a power level around double that of an M4's, the M4 feels very mild under acceleration to me. Both cars feel great on corner entry and mid corner. Naturally the local dealer doesn't have any FBO or well-tuned cars, so I'm a bit unsure how radical the change is.

I've been toying with the idea very much over the past few weeks, but I still need a healthy dose of go-fast.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Sorry OT but what a world we live in where a M4 feels underwhelming and street cars have 700 whp.

[R1-Racer]

Haha! I'm not complaining at all, so grateful to have access to something like the GT-R. My perception of speed is permanently ruined thanks to motorcycles as well, that has certainly made it more difficult to find the right car. I'm hoping a well-tuned M4 or M3 is going to be close enough. I'm not out here street racing, so I don't think losing 100-150hp is going to ruin my day.

[Mthrice]

I own both cars, so I think I can help.

The GT-R was a somewhat daily driver, though not to work, but just didn't have the refinement of the M3. Plus I needed a accessible back seat for an infant.

The seats are obviously more adjustable than the GT-R, the stereo and idrive are a big improvement. The way the door closes on the M3 is just so much more solid. None of the clunking grinding sounds associated with the GT-R. Easier to get in and out of on a daily basis. Not near the number of gawkers in the M3. I enjoyed that in the GT-R for a while, but it does get a bit tiresome.

I track the GT-R, so never really debated getting rid of it. It is a monster

Things I do miss while driving the M3 include the handling and traction. I have a '15, but hear the comp. pack greatly improves the M3 in both categories. The M3 just doesn't put the power down like an AWD car can. Im pretty fearless on any road in the GT-R, it instills that much confidence! Can't say that about the M3, though that is not what I bought it for.

Love the M3 for what it does, and love the GT-R for what it does

[DrtyJrze]

FYI OP I think they?re are a couple of threads with the GTR/M3 convo on the forums. Idk how to link them or I would.

Try the search feature.

[damageprone]

I believe BEAT TX can chime in on this subject as he went from a GTR to an M3 if I remember correctly.

[Jojipoji]

I have had three gtrs and now 2 m3s. All 5 modified. 1. Where are you located? If you're in a warm climate then a f80 will put down power better than here up north but anything over 550whp will be too much for the chassis/tires unless you are running rcomps or slicks. Honestly I would wait till the new m5 or get the e63 or rs7. Just an apr rtuned rs7 will destroy any m3 on the street in street tires from a dig or slow roll. It's a mid 10 second car with 130mph traps.

[Jojipoji]

Also FYI non BE seats are way more comfortable

[R1-Racer]

Originally Posted by Jojipoji

I have had three gtrs and now 2 m3s. All 5 modified. 1. Where are you located? If you're in a warm climate then a f80 will put down power better than here up north but anything over 550whp will be too much for the chassis/tires unless you are running rcomps or slicks. Honestly I would wait till the new m5 or get the e63 or rs7. Just an apr rtuned rs7 will destroy any m3 on the street in street tires from a dig or slow roll. It's a mid 10 second car with 130mph traps.

I'm in North Carolina. I definitely don't want both cars at the same time, simply due to insurance rates here. I have to draw the line somewhere!

I'm not drag racing, tracking or otherwise the car. I just drive it on the road, so a balanced car and good speed sensation are adequate for me.

On the search comparison, there is a big difference between a stock or even FBO GT-R versus mine. My GT-R makes approximately 150 wheel horsepower more than a really nicely set up FBO GT-R on pump fuel.

[Captain Unknown GT4]

Here Is a short M4 GTS vs Nissan GT-R attack lap. See description for Info on cars. Both great cars, my friend drive his Nissan and I am In my M4 GTS.

[Jojipoji]

I'm running SIR turbos and am close to 700whp on e85 so I understand. If anything sit in a 2015+ non black/track edition and the seats will be more comfortable. 700whp is a 9 second car. The amount of mods to do on a f8x to be even close to your gtr would be rediculous. You won't be happy with a f8x. Like I said get something awd and comfortable and easy to mod. I.e. Rs7, e63 or new m5.

Originally Posted by R1-Racer

I'm in North Carolina. I definitely don't want both cars at the same time, simply due to insurance rates here. I have to draw the line somewhere!

I'm not drag racing, tracking or otherwise the car. I just drive it on the road, so a balanced car and good speed sensation are adequate for me.

On the search comparison, there is a big difference between a stock or even FBO GT-R versus mine. My GT-R makes approximately 150 wheel horsepower more than a really nicely set up FBO GT-R on pump fuel.

[SonicJlee]

Have you considered a 911 Turbo with 18 way seats? That would give you the traction and response to mods you get with a GTR, but with more refinement and seats with greater adjustability.

[R1-Racer]

You know - you may be onto something. I'm going to look into a Turbo S.

[acarrick29]

Originally Posted by R1-Racer

Haha! I'm not complaining at all, so grateful to have access to something like the GT-R. My perception of speed is permanently ruined thanks to motorcycles as well, that has certainly made it more difficult to find the right car. I'm hoping a well-tuned M4 or M3 is going to be close enough. I'm not out here street racing, so I don't think losing 100-150hp is going to ruin my day.

I have a VF tuned M4 and from a roll my car jumps out on 700hp GTRs before they catch up and then they pull a car every two seconds or so. It doesnt hurt my feelings too bad as my steering wheel isnt plastic and doesnt have the same gauges as an 20k car.

I drive my M4 is lowered too and I drive it everyday without a hesitation. Only complaint is that for an 85,000 car it does not have air conditioned seats, as it was more important to pump fake engine noise through the speakers.

[mtr3s]

I consider GTR to M3/M4 a downgrade. Keep the GTR

[nicknaz]

When I lived in socal my neighbor went from an "alpha9" gtr to a c63 and said he really missed the gtr

Personally I wouldn't do it.

Swap the seat from another gtr or something.

[CSanto]

Keep the GTR unless the cabin and tech are extremely important to you.

[quattr0]

If you cant wait for new M5, the F10 M5 which could be had for lesser than $55k w lesser than 30k miles on it that could do 9s w minimal effort.

Unless you will go w 997 Turbo, 9s on 991.1 TT is not cheap.

[kdphan]

I would keep the GTR

[Leaveit2bevo]

I have both, 700hp FBO 09 and a F80 M3. Besides the fact that the m3 is kind of the ultimate family car, I would never choose it over the GTR. The M3 is nice and refined but getting in the GTR after makes you realize what each car was made for. The traction issues on the m3 drives me nuts, Im in Socal even with warm tires this car struggles to put power down. Im sure changing tires will help significantly but dont expect having a tuned m3 with 100 more hp ever feeling like the GTR. I do enjoy having a manual in the m3 and the RWD aspects of the handling but its no GTR.

[Jojipoji]

Damn it must be because 700hp gtrs are slower than 500whp gtrs...lol

A dp tune 100 oct m4 gets pulled on by a CBA gtr with exhaust and tune (500whp)

So a 700whp gtr which is a 9 second car (140mph trap) gets jumped on by your car which is probably a 11 second car (120mph trap)

So 500whp gtr > your f8x with tune > 700whp gtr got it.

Originally Posted by acarrick29

I have a VF tuned M4 and from a roll my car jumps out on 700hp GTRs before they catch up and then they pull a car every two seconds or so. It doesnt hurt my feelings too bad as my steering wheel isnt plastic and doesnt have the same gauges as an 20k car.

I drive my M4 is lowered too and I drive it everyday without a hesitation. Only complaint is that for an 85,000 car it does not have air conditioned seats, as it was more important to pump fake engine noise through the speakers.

[acarrick29]

Originally Posted by Jojipoji

Damn it must be because 700hp gtrs are slower than 500whp gtrs...lol

A dp tune 100 oct m4 gets pulled on by a CBA gtr with exhaust and tune (500whp)

So a 700whp gtr which is a 9 second car (140mph trap) gets jumped on by your car which is probably a 11 second car (120mph trap)

So 500whp gtr > your f8x with tune > 700whp gtr got it.

Originally Posted by Jojipoji

Damn it must be because 700hp gtrs are slower than 500whp gtrs...lol

A dp tune 100 oct m4 gets pulled on by a CBA gtr with exhaust and tune (500whp)

So a 700whp gtr which is a 9 second car (140mph trap) gets jumped on by your car which is probably a 11 second car (120mph trap)

So 500whp gtr > your f8x with tune > 700whp gtr got it.

For 1, YouTube is not reliable as people have no idea how to drive. Second, every car is different and reacts differently to the same mods.