If you had $150k to spend - what's the BEST car out there? NSX, AMG GT, R8, 911, etc?
08-23-18, 08:32 AM
#31
drives cars
Since I have somewhat of a bias toward a V8-powered car, I think I'd go AMG GT S. Preferably in Mars Red. 
I'd say it's a really close call between that and a Porsche GT3. I love that flat-six sound and the generally understated feel of the Porsche. However, I think the AMG would be more fun overall, at least on paper.
I'd say it's a really close call between that and a Porsche GT3. I love that flat-six sound and the generally understated feel of the Porsche. However, I think the AMG would be more fun overall, at least on paper.
08-23-18, 09:04 AM
#32
Pole Position
Since a used Ferrari is out, I'd probably go R8 or RS5. I like the exterior & interior styling of Audi and think these would offer me the right amount of power and speed to get my adrenaline going. I'd take the left over cash and buy a 1988 convertible Mercedes SL just for the &*^% of it.
08-23-18, 09:49 AM
#34
991.2 911. Porsche underrates the engines and published times, most magazines have the C4 awd with base engine around 3.4 0-60. Suspension is reasonable for a performance car, although I leave mine in normal most of the time. It’s a comfortable enough daily driver and steering feel is just great. Options get expensive and can easily run $20-30k. $125k is all you need to spend to get more performance than most people need. At $150k you go Targa S or Cabriolet with upgraded full leather, rear wheel steering, self steering for LA traffic and front axle lift so you don’t look silly bottoming out pulling in to gas stations.
Minor practical points - you can fold the rear seats to make a ledge and get two sets of golf clubs back there. Outward visibility is very good, even to the rear. Holds its value and pretty reliable as well.
Here is mine...
btw s4play your NSX is beautiful, I’ve never driven one so can offer no comparison. I’ve driven the amg, R8, etc and find them too rough suspension wise for me.
Too bad Porsche kept raising the price, I remember my last 2008 GT3 ordered from dealer took 2 years and started at $100k MSRP and I added $36k in options. Back in 2008 that was a steal and well under the $150k budget! I keep forgetting the new ones are really big ticket / hot cars and now surpass $200k.
This was my old GT3 ~ had her for roughly 8 months but don't miss it one bit. At the time an opportunity to pick up my H.S. dream car a 2004 GPW NSX unicorn popped up and so glad I made the switch. That car is a total keeper
Go Boilermakers!
Sold GT3:
For this:
08-23-18, 09:53 AM
#35
I'm a huge BMW M-car guy but never warmed up to any AMG car so you will never see one in my garage although my partner LOVES them so I get to see and drive my share of them. AMG have amazing exhaust notes but in my opinion, only good cars to own while under warranty unless you have deep pocketbooks.
08-23-18, 10:04 AM
#36
Lexus Fanatic
AMG cars are great to own as the 2nd owner. They depreciate horribly just like McLaren so both are great to buy as a pre-owned car with low miles / warranty intact!
I'm a huge BMW M-car guy but never warmed up to any AMG car so you will never see one in my garage although my partner LOVES them so I get to see and drive my share of them. AMG have amazing exhaust notes but in my opinion, only good cars to own while under warranty unless you have deep pocketbooks.
I'm a huge BMW M-car guy but never warmed up to any AMG car so you will never see one in my garage although my partner LOVES them so I get to see and drive my share of them. AMG have amazing exhaust notes but in my opinion, only good cars to own while under warranty unless you have deep pocketbooks.
08-23-18, 10:05 AM
#37
Lead Lap
Too bad Porsche kept raising the price, I remember my last 2008 GT3 ordered from dealer took 2 years and started at $100k MSRP and I added $36k in options. Back in 2008 that was a steal and well under the $150k budget! I keep forgetting the new ones are really big ticket / hot cars and now surpass $200k.
I
08-23-18, 10:24 AM
#38
I've personally owned almost every generation M3 and there is something magical about the precision of the car. The iconic M3's are the E30 m3 and E36 m3 lightweight and e46 CSL m3. Some people love the e9x generation V8 motor but that was the one I hated the most oddly enough but probably because it had a paddle shifter. My latest F80 Dakar M3 was special ordered from Germany in the vintage e36 m3 color. It's the heaviest car and first m3 with turbos but I love it the most because of it's dual nature capabilities. Blistering fast and super roomy as it's my DD with the kids (aka: DADS BUS)!
Doesn’t the base NSX have a higher starting MSRP than the GT3? I like the NSX too but the price is too high without the $30k dealer cash that was available at one point. I also don’t care for the complexity of the car. Eliminate the electric motors and I would love it even more. Still a great car though.
The 2018 GT3 based price is $144k however Porsche is the absolute expert at selling you options that can total another $50k+. Then you factor the GT3's command over MSRP and now it's suddenly a $250k car sadly
08-23-18, 10:28 AM
#39
2008 IS F 416hp @ 6,600 rpm and 371 lb⋅ft @ 5,200 rpm
2008 RS4 420hp @ 7,800 rpm and 317 lb ft @5,500 rpm
2008 M3 414hp @ 8,300 rpm and 295 lb⋅ft @ 3,900 rpm
The Benz 6.2L was like a howitzer cannon in both it's bark and bite. The Lexus split the difference in the power department, the 5.0 really opened up once the VVTi kicked in. Sounds like a Yamaha tuned outboard IMO. The M3 4.0 was a glorious mill that loved to howl with that high redline, part why it lacked the torque compared to the other two, but in reality nearly 300lbft in a 3,700lb body scooted just fine. This was sort of the 'golden' age IMO for this group, which we're forgetting Audi had the RS4 which also had a high'ish' redline too. Honestly can't go wrong with any of these NA V8's. Just glorious
08-23-18, 01:38 PM
#42
2008 C63 451hp @ 6,800 rpm and 443 lb⋅ft @ 5,000 rpm
2008 IS F 416hp @ 6,600 rpm and 371 lb⋅ft @ 5,200 rpm
2008 RS4 420hp @ 7,800 rpm and 317 lb ft @5,500 rpm
2008 M3 414hp @ 8,300 rpm and 295 lb⋅ft @ 3,900 rpm
The Benz 6.2L was like a howitzer cannon in both it's bark and bite. The Lexus split the difference in the power department, the 5.0 really opened up once the VVTi kicked in. Sounds like a Yamaha tuned outboard IMO. The M3 4.0 was a glorious mill that loved to howl with that high redline, part why it lacked the torque compared to the other two, but in reality nearly 300lbft in a 3,700lb body scooted just fine. This was sort of the 'golden' age IMO for this group, which we're forgetting Audi had the RS4 which also had a high'ish' redline too. Honestly can't go wrong with any of these NA V8's. Just glorious
2008 IS F 416hp @ 6,600 rpm and 371 lb⋅ft @ 5,200 rpm
2008 RS4 420hp @ 7,800 rpm and 317 lb ft @5,500 rpm
2008 M3 414hp @ 8,300 rpm and 295 lb⋅ft @ 3,900 rpm
The Benz 6.2L was like a howitzer cannon in both it's bark and bite. The Lexus split the difference in the power department, the 5.0 really opened up once the VVTi kicked in. Sounds like a Yamaha tuned outboard IMO. The M3 4.0 was a glorious mill that loved to howl with that high redline, part why it lacked the torque compared to the other two, but in reality nearly 300lbft in a 3,700lb body scooted just fine. This was sort of the 'golden' age IMO for this group, which we're forgetting Audi had the RS4 which also had a high'ish' redline too. Honestly can't go wrong with any of these NA V8's. Just glorious
The thing with Porsche is they make so many great cars under $150k that it really gives owners so many cool options. The 718 and GT4 are great choices as is the Carrera and GT3 models. This is why I only listed Porsche as there are numerous choices under $150k from then so you can't go wrong.
08-23-18, 08:43 PM
#43
Driver School Candidate
c'mon now, how sweet is your car!!?
After I did the event, I told this guy I was working with on a project, he has a 530i, 540i, and M5, all E39's. What I said was if I cannot have a 991, there really isn't any reason to be alive. He goes, in that case, I may as well k*** myself now!! They are inspiring...
After I did the event, I told this guy I was working with on a project, he has a 530i, 540i, and M5, all E39's. What I said was if I cannot have a 991, there really isn't any reason to be alive. He goes, in that case, I may as well k*** myself now!! They are inspiring...
I read your other post above, if you haven’t already been there I’d encourage you to do the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles or Atlanta. For about $400-500 you pick the car you want and get about 90 minutes 1:1 drive time. That’s plenty. Lots of different areas, slippery surfaces, teach you to do donuts, etc. the kick plate where the rear slides out randomly and you have to countersteer before going into a spin was a favorite. They will push you as well, and if you do well they will want to do better. I picked a 4S and when we started passing some turbos and a gt3 my instructor got so excited it was infectious. They have a headset system where they tell cars to pull over to the right passing lane on the one straightaway. Sounds like you would enjoy it.
