I’ve driven both cars. The GT-R’s the more liveable one. It’s bulkier than the Audi, therefore won’t fit into spaces where the R8 might squeeze in. But it’s harder to see close quarters out of the R8, so you might not even want to attempt getting into places where it might otherwise fit. Clearing high driveways or speed humps will be a problem with the very low R8, with its long nose.

I might add (not related to your query onliveability) that in a friendly V-Max run vs. a friend’s Merc C63, there wasn’t much in it, with maybe the Nissan being slightly faster. It didn’t quite have the supreme feeling of stability at very high speeds (120+ mph) that Mercs have, but it felt secure enough. I’d have to agree with many others’ comment that it’s easier to drive quickly specially on a twisty road than just about any other car so far.

I admire Nissan for the GT-R’s styling because unlike other Japanese makers (such as Lexus), Nissan built their halo car with unabashedly AUTHENTIC JAPANESE styling. The thing’s not trying to look German or Italian. View it in that light, and it’s a good-looking beast. Tremendous presence.

Would I buy one? I guess not. I’ve been driving a 996 Turbo nearly daily for five years now, during which time I’ve driven a number of other fast cars. I’ve had so much satisfaction from it, it’s become a bit like a comfortable old shoe. I feel it’s more fun (OK, someone said “fun to drive” might mean you’re having to fight the car: there’s just a bit of that) than the GT-R on a daily drive basis. Given, on a weekend on a nice twisty road, the GT-R would help me make believe I’m Kimi Raikonen, but I’m talking about driving the car regularly.

“….maybe if I was 5 feet tall, had $80,000 to blow on a small car and was Asian.”

Wha???

The thing’s a behemoth, relatively:

Length: 183.3 in. Width: 74.6 in.
Height: 53.9 in. Wheel Base: 109.5 in.
Curb Weight: 3836 lbs. (!!!!)

…and my 6′ 2″ 200lb frame fits in it with no problems.

What am I missing?

I’ve driven a lot of cars in my time. From a Hyundai in my ramen-eating college days…to 911’s, Vettes & Bimmer M’s. This is BY FAR the most fun I’ve had in a car (driving that is) in my 43 years.

I agree. The star system only works if the same person (or at least the same guideline) rates all the cars.

I’d been expecting the worst after reading reviews criticizing the ride, but I don’t think it’s as uncomfortable as has been suggested. The key to my perception, I think, is that the driver’s seat is located close to the center of the wheelbase, so though the car pogoes somewhat, the driver doesn’t get bounced around as much.

Regarding the styling, it’s not beautiful, but instead “purposeful”, when seen in the steel. The interior is pretty decent, if a bit dark (his is black-on-black).

It’s also a ridiculous bargain for a car with LP560-4 / 430 Scuderia performance for 1/3 the $$$$$.

Not having driven it yet I cannot comment on the possibility of using one as a daily transport but then again for me the seats and the adjustment range in a 911 make that a totally no go daily driver, while I could get very very comfortable in the GT-R (luckily in the car dealerships in Tokyo they do not mind you spending significant time in one) :)

After the American Economy was robbed by Wall Street etc etc.

A lot of people cannot even afford to buy Value meals. A fast car for a fast depreciating American economy. Good Luck Nissan!

Nice car but wrong timing.

My GT-R will look like this (because if you’re gonna style it like a Stealth fighter …):

http://www.gtrblog.com/index.php/2008/06/15/photo-gallery-matte-black-nissan-gt-r?blog=4

Well, you dared to say it, and I’ll be glad to help you learn your mistake about the second part (as other posters have already pointed out the mistake on the first part). The Skyline GTR, no pedigree? The original from the late 60’s to early 70’s may not have been much known outside of Japan, but had decent success in racing and a reputation in-country. The revived version from ‘89 on demolished racing series in Japan and Australia, as well as having success in other races around the world. Is this less pedigree than the Corvette? Or is that American chauvanism?

Indicating the car is an electric vehicle (charge status?) and we should beware of falling rocks?

I guess I’m in the minority because I can see 3/5 stars and think, “so it says what it does and does what it says, but isn’t superlative due to X, Y, and Z mentioned in the review.”

I bought a 2008 Z06 during the GM employee pricing period last year. The dealer (one of the Bill Heard ones) had been listing Z06s about 10-15k over sticker, and then they were 12k under sticker. I couldn’t resist.

Last week, I bought a 2009 GT-R (over sticker, unfortunately). The GT-R (with the shocks in “comfort”) is closer to a daily driver than the Z06. A Corvette with MSRC would be better still.

Both are great cars and both are worth the money, but neither is really up to the task of driving 600 miles a week in Houston. I’m 32, so it’s not like I can’t take the punishment, it’s just neither is really fit for that kind of duty. My G8 GT, while nowhere near as fun, fills the role of a vehicle I can comfortably drive for hours – as a plus, I can park it anywhere without worry.

I support your argument. The ZO6 starts at $74,774 while the GT-R starts at $76,840 (according to their respective manufacturer websites).

Additionally, I’ve read many times that the ZO6 can be had as a “comfortable daily driver” AND deliver the goods on the track.

Both are amazing cars, but I have a soft spot for Corvettes. It is a truly amazing vehicle in all iterations.

I got an idea:

At the end of reviews, instead of stars, which are misleading, you have different icons to signify different things about the car!!!

Like a lightning bolt symbol and a boulder icon at the end of the review would represent that this car is super fast and has great build quality for example. After all, the whole point of stars is to summarize the impression of the car without reading/words. Icons would be alot more specific, not misleading at all, straightforward, and would be TTAC unique. >:D

This car should receive one less star just for costing $70,000 and looking like it costs 1/2 of that.

This car should receive one less star just for costing $70,000 and looking like it costs 1/2 of that.

Please don’t promote this myth… ;) See my post above. Cheers.

Maybe the three stars was for the quality of the review.

so 3/5 means “fail”? Wow, what’s 2/5? The car caught on fire and the tester died? What’s 1/5?

The stars are very exact. Rating is 1-5. No grey area at all. So what do they mean, exactly?

Ummm, what do you mean by this? MSRP for a base GT-R is $76,840, and that is a 2009. Not sure if price went up for 2010. And you’d be HARD pressed to find one under sticker (not saying it is impossible – see ndlaw95 post). Now a Z06 has a MSRP of $73,925. An invoice of $66,163. Real world, they can be had UNDER invoice. Therefore, a Z06 is more than $10,000 CHEAPER!

If I am misinterpreting you review/comment, sorry. If not, get your facts straight buster! ;)

Great line!