Having a hard time choosing between GT-R and M4

[TahoeM3]

I have both and each has its advantages. The M4 is plenty quick, but the GTR is on a different level and its the acceleration is really a rush. I know some people get tired of it, but I don't know how that's possible. I know I never will, and I've had mine for 4 1/2 years. If you like driving a car that feels almost impossibly fast, the GTR is it.

The M4 is a bit more refined, and it's clear it is a newer generation car. The switch gear and overall feel are more luxurious. It has an overall more solid feel. The handling is really confidence inspiring (after moving to 295 rear tires which help dramatically). But traction off the line in the M4 is disappointing, especially compared to the GTR. So pick your poison. I'd recommend driving each first.

[KinoBoom]

Originally Posted by TahoeM3

I have both and each has its advantages. The M4 is plenty quick, but the GTR is on a different level and its the acceleration is really a rush. I know some people get tired of it, but I don't know how that's possible. I know I never will, and I've had mine for 4 1/2 years. If you like driving a car that feels almost impossibly fast, the GTR is it.

The M4 is a bit more refined, and it's clear it is a newer generation car. The switch gear and overall feel are more luxurious. It has an overall more solid feel. The handling is really confidence inspiring (after moving to 295 rear tires which help dramatically). But traction off the line in the M4 is disappointing, especially compared to the GTR. So pick your poison. I'd recommend driving each first.

How bad is the maintenance in the GTR? What is it that I would need to do basically? 2500 miles, 5000 miles, etc... your input is greatly appreciated. So far, you are pretty much the first POSITIVE review on the GTR.

[bates1325]

get the gtr.

[TahoeM3]

Originally Posted by KinoBoom

How bad is the maintenance in the GTR? What is it that I would need to do basically? 2500 miles, 5000 miles, etc... your input is greatly appreciated. So far, you are pretty much the first POSITIVE review on the GTR.

The service isn't bad...but I don't put a lot of miles on mine. I've had to do one big service which was maybe around $1500 and then occasional oil changes. I got one set of MPSS but that was voluntary as the stock run flats still had good tread. I also recently upgraded the rear tires to a set that was wider than stock, but that was also voluntary. The rears had good tread after 3 years and 15000 miles or so. I've spent more on upgrades, but they really weren't too expensive. A chip and mid pipe, sway bars, filters, some interior carbon pieces, etc.

That said, I love my M4 and it's great looking and a near perfect daily driver. The GTR is more attention grabbing, but the fact that it's red and my M4 is white is a big factor in that.

[mikex25]

I had the same dilemma and since you plan to own it like me. Could you picture yourself driving it in 5 years? As much as the GTR has insane performance, I opted for luxury with good performance compared to all out performance with no luxury.

[robertmac305]

I was in the same position in November. Test drove a new m4 and test drove a 2014 gt-r.

I'm a performance guy...

Took godzilla home and I don't regret it.

I still like the m4 but you cannot compare an m4 to a gt-r.
Yes the m4 is more stylish but other than that the nissan dominates the m4. the car is in a difference league.

[BloomRunsDubs]

GT-R is a beast.. its ridiculously fast but thats about it.

Maintenance will be a lot higher on the GT-R. They suggest you have it worked on by a GT-R certified tech which costs A LOT $189 for a oil change after a heavy discount. The regular techs at the Nissan store wouldn't even touch my car because they were afraid of it.. lol

Dont get the GTR if unless you can afford both. It is not a daily driver. Im selling mine soon

[M3guy3]

I think a lot of car guys at some point in time have a GTR in the back of their heads. Its probably the most talked about car on the internet. It also has a huge following of men between the age of 15-30.

It seems a lot of people will switch to a GTR and lots end up selling it. Because once they experience the GTR they get over it.

other than its crazy 0-60 number, or watching modded GTR pull on exotics. Its doesn't have much going for it.

- I think they look pretty cool. But when you actually compare lets say a R8, F type, AMG GTS. those cars look "sexier". while offering a luxury interior, fast performance, and better dealership experience.

The GTR is also ten years old now.

my point is that for 110k GTR. I might try to get a GTS, F type, or V8 R8 over one.

If you are looking at used GTR for lets say 75k. I might try to get a used M6 instead.

[MPerformance211]

Originally Posted by M3guy3

I think a lot of car guys at some point in time have a GTR in the back of their heads. Its probably the most talked about car on the internet. It also has a huge following of men between the age of 15-30.

It seems a lot of people will switch to a GTR and lots end up selling it. Because once they experience the GTR they get over it.

other than its crazy 0-60 number, or watching modded GTR pull on exotics. Its doesn't have much going for it.

- I think they look pretty cool. But when you actually compare lets say a R8, F type, AMG GTS. those cars look "sexier". while offering a luxury interior, fast performance, and better dealership experience.

The GTR is also ten years old now.

my point is that for 110k GTR. I might try to get a GTS, F type, or V8 R8 over one.

If you are looking at used GTR for lets say 75k. I might try to get a used M6 instead.

Bingo! Been there, done that, got the t shirt. Over it.

Now, if you are a dyed in the wool Import guy, you may just love it in spades and never get rid of it. I love German engineering and never fell in love with the car.

[sfury]

Was in the same boat and like everyone said, I test drove both and went home with the r35. I always do glance over at the m4 when I see them on the road but its not out of regret.

Now if maintenance is a big concern, I'd say I spend more money on tires than anything else. I go to a local GTR shop for my maintenance so at most its 100 for oil changes (6k miles) and 1k for all fluids (trans, diff, eng) every 20k-30k miles. Tires are another story and I'd be lucky if I got anywhere above 12k miles on a set (NT01s).

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by sfury

Was in the same boat and like everyone said, I test drove both and went home with the r35. I always do glance over at the m4 when I see them on the road but its not out of regret.

Now if maintenance is a big concern, I'd say I spend more money on tires than anything else. I go to a local GTR shop for my maintenance so at most its 100 for oil changes (6k miles) and 1k for all fluids (trans, diff, eng) every 20k-30k miles. Tires are another story and I'd be lucky if I got anywhere above 12k miles on a set (NT01s).

thank you for an accurate review of the rough cost of maint.

everyone in here crying about how it's so expensive and they don't even own one.

I got only 9000 on my rear tires on my c63. lol gotta lay off the old right foot i guess.

[aaa335]

Im trading in my 15 gtr for my f80 next week. I can't really give a comparison to the M3 since I haven't spent to much time in it yet, but I can tell you that the GTR is a beast. Its ability to put down the power consistently and reliably is unreal. If you are into mods it is a really fun project. There is huge aftermarket support and with very little effort you will be putting down 700 reliable hp. I love the GTR and if had the space for two cars just for me I would have kept it forever.
If you are planning on daily driving the car I would caution you on a few things. It isn't the easiest car drive around town when you running errands and multiple stops. The transmission clunks and clanks and the brakes squeek. It is relatively big and isn't the easiest thing to park...and it attracts ALOT of attention
Another thing to consider is that right now is a tricky time in regards to resale value. The r35 platform is aging and nissan offered dealer cash on the car for the first time a few months ago . In 14 cars commonly sold at MRSP. in early 15 invoice was the norm. Then when the rebates hit in mid 15 some were getting new cars for 15k under invoice. It killed the used market and nissan kept producing cars. seems like things have stabilized a little but If I were you I would look at at low milage 15. there is real value in that car.

[aaa335]

Here's a pic

[bimmerboyE92]

I just don't like the looks. The shot above looks like a 350z, a challenger, and a wrx sti had a child. Just my $.02

[aaa335]

Originally Posted by bimmerboyE92

I just don't like the looks. The shot above looks like a 350z, a challenger, and a wrx sti had a child. Just my $.02

I agree that the Gtr isn't the most beautiful car In the world. But it's design reflects its personality well. It's purpose built and functional. It's not about being pretty...it's about killing everything else on the streets and track. And if that is what you are looking for it does not disappoint

[MPerformance211]

Originally Posted by aaa335

I agree that the Gtr isn't the most beautiful car In the world. But it's design reflects its personality well. It's purpose built and functional. It's not about being pretty...it's about killing everything else on the streets and track. And if that is what you are looking for it does not disappoint

Agree with everything you have said in both of your posts. The car is an animal. I only had a Cobb tune with HKS mid pipe and HKS Legamax exhaust and the car was just stupid quick from a dig........to the point where you are at "going to jail" speeds in mere seconds. And yes, brake squeak, tranny noises, etc. got on my nerves.

Funny, the older I get the more the "pure speed" doesn't seem to matter as much. I am more than content with the power the M4 puts down. As a matter of fact, I think a lighter less powerful car like the 981 BoxsterS will be next for me.

[Msizzle]

i can't believe some you can say with a straight face that a m3/m4 has similar performance to a gtr!! Its literally not even close to the same planet when it comes to performance. And to say the gtr has nothing going for it other than 0-60 is just plain silly because the gtr has more lap records than it knows what to do with. On just about any track the gtr will be in the top 5 of any car at any price. It is also the measuring stick that all other cars are judged. Someone posted that his manual M ran neck and neck with a gtr, are you kidding me? Guys we can debate opinions but we can't debate facts! Tons of gtr's have gone 10's stock and they all trap 118-127 or so, an m3/m4 again can't sniff those times never mind a manual example

[Ketamine_Dart]

Originally Posted by Msizzle

i can't believe some you can say with a straight face that a m3/m4 has similar performance to a gtr!! Its literally not even close to the same planet when it comes to performance. And to say the gtr has nothing going for it other than 0-60 is just plain silly because the gtr has more lap records than it knows what to do with. On just about any track the gtr will be in the top 5 of any car at any price. It is also the measuring stick that all other cars are judged. Someone posted that his manual M ran neck and neck with a gtr, are you kidding me? Guys we can debate opinions but we can debate facts! Tons of gtr's have gone 10's stock and they all trap 118-127 or so, an m3/m4 again can't sniff those times never mind a manual example

Spot on. You can debate subjective things like looks and daily driveability, but there's no debating performance. Performance is an objective measure and if anyone thinks an M3/M4 is even close to the GTR in performance they are delusional. It's not even close. Although the GTR is almost an 8 year old platform, it STILL blows away the M3/M4 in ALL performance categories! It's NOT even close!!! I can't believe people here let the guy who said he was neck to neck with the GTR on a roll race get away with spewing such BS. Was the GTR towing a car during that race???? Lol

[Ketamine_Dart]

To OP, I have a 2012 Black Edition. Here are my specific maintenance costs at the dealership (Fontana Nissan): Oil change every 6,000 miles ($150-$230), Big Maintenance every 18,000 miles where all fluids get changed ($1700-$2200), I've only had to change brake pads once ($1,600: $800 for front, $800 for back), I've had to change all 4 tire sets 2 times (first 4 tires change costed me $2100 for PSS 295's in the back and 285's in the front, then $2,400 for another 4 tire set that I just recently changed, which was back to Dunlop factory sets). That's it. That's all the maintenance costs I've had to do. And I've had ZERO repair costs for anything. It's a true daily driver. I already have 90,000 miles on it. It has an SP Engineering 650 kit with full Akrapovic Evolution system with cat less down pipes since 18,000 miles. I do not track the car but I regularly take it out for spirited runs through the mountains. I used to have an E92 M3 and a good friend of mine has an M4, so yes I am very familiar what M cars can do. Any other questions. Let me know

[KinoBoom]

Originally Posted by Ketamine_Dart

To OP, I have a 2012 Black Edition. Here are my specific maintenance costs at the dealership (Fontana Nissan): Oil change every 6,000 miles ($150-$230), Big Maintenance every 18,000 miles where all fluids get changed ($1700-$2200), I've only had to change brake pads once ($1,600: $800 for front, $800 for back), I've had to change all 4 tire sets 2 times (first 4 tires change costed me $2100 for PSS 295's in the back and 285's in the front, then $2,400 for another 4 tire set that I just recently changed, which was back to Dunlop factory sets). That's it. That's all the maintenance costs I've had to do. And I've had ZERO repair costs for anything. It's a true daily driver. I already have 90,000 miles on it. It has an SP Engineering 650 kit with full Akrapovic Evolution system with cat less down pipes since 18,000 miles. I do not track the car but I regularly take it out for spirited runs through the mountains. I used to have an E92 M3 and a good friend of mine has an M4, so yes I am very familiar what M cars can do. Any other questions. Let me know

Thanks for the info.
The local Nissan dealer here was blowing smoke pretty much. Told me whatever I needed to hear...
That's a lot of maintenance to be honest, not expensive, just A LOT!
I guess if someone had a lift and was able to do them in his own garage it would not as expensive but you would rather have the dealer do it all and keep records on such a vehicle.
Glad to hear such miles and positive report as well. The GT-R has a great reputation in the high performance community and has a class of its own.

[Sparco]

I happen to own both, a 16 manual M4 and a 15 Black edition. I got out of a beautiful Cayman GTS that I had built just 16 months ago. The acquisition of the M4 made me sour a bit on the Cayman which then led to the GTR purchase. They are NOT on the same performance level if both cars are in stock trim. The one thing Ive learned since purchasing the GTR is the amount of character the car has. I dont think its given enough credit for how it feels. Fit and finish is obviously better on the M as is the ride. GTR is harsh but livable and of course creaks, and clunks which is inherent in the vehicle. It is a total DUDE magnet. I have never owned a car that attracts so much attention. The purchase for me of the GTR was a true get it out of your system purchase but am really surprised how much I like it. I will be tracking both cars next month and am interested to see the differences between the two. Either way, both cars are drivers machines just in different ways.

[V3rbatim]

$1600 for brake pads/labor only?? Geez. How much are rotors?? I would love a gtr. Wish the interior looked a lil more luxurious. I do like the gtr front seats(black).