I always get asked how my EVO compares to a GT-R. I often respond with "1000 pounds less & $60k cheaper" before I start getting detailed about handling and 30 minute track sessions. I have written a similar review before, but here is an update after more time in GT-R's. I get to drive my EVO IX and my friends 600hp/600tq GT-R back to back at the track. I usually end my response with "if I could afford a GT-R, I would have one, but until then, I will be competitive or faster in my current IX RS.

Driving the GT-R back to back at the track really impresses me how amazing the GT-R is. I used to say it removes you from the driving experience and allows you to focus completely on apexes. When you have proper sticky tires and brake pads, you gain back some of the driving experience. You still have the thrills and thrust excitement, but you don't feel every inch of the wheels and frame tweaking for every inch of traction. After 30 minutes in an EVO at full tilt, you are exhausted. A 30 minute stint in the GT-R, your hardly sweating. This is technology. I love the quick flick of paddles and rev matching. The GT-R drives like a 3000 pound car somehow. The thrust of the GT-R and how it's put down feels super strong. I rate it above my experience driving Porsche 930 Turbos and C5 Z06's. Confidence is high in the 2 modified GT-R's I have tracked. It's not a precise tool as some might think though. It's a brute high tech muscle car. My same friend has a Audi R8 V10 I got to drive back to back with the GT-R. Now the R8 is a dream! It talks to you and reads your mind.

If you get to drive your friends GT-R, you need to be prepared to adjust your reaction time well ahead of what your used to. My last student was scared or uncomfortable in his GT-R which is why I drive it so much with him in passenger seat. He has no problem driving his R8 at 100%. I guess this sums up my review. The GT-R is raw and fast and takes a driver to handle all its power even with the tech driving aids. The R8 is silky sweet with pinpoint accuracy. The EVO with mods and track set up is a mix of both, but old school in comparison.

If you want a write up on the Lotus Evora, let me know...I don't want to bore you all to death. Hope this was a fun read. Now go meet some rich friends.

 

Interesting notes, thanks for sharing. I have yet to drive a GTR but would certainly love to so it is interesting hearing your impressions on them. I like the way you describe it as a brute high tech muscle car.

The common misconception is that since its so techy it takes away the actual driving experience. I often get these comments in regards to my evo. I get comments such as "oh its awd so its easy to drive and practically drives itself". During my course work at a local auto-x I had a BMW driver ask me "how can you spin an awd car?"

Comments like that sort of frustrate me as I feel some people are ignorant towards the high tech cars such as evos and gtrs. Now Im not saying that they arent more forgiving than an old muscle car however it still takes smooth operation and precision to drive one fast.

In the end, its easier to drive a slow car fast than a fast car fast.

 

Thanks Heel2Toe. I couldn't agree more with your comment: "In the end, its easier to drive a slow car fast than a fast car fast." I started my racing career in a 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa...having to carry all my speed where I could. This prepared me well I think when driving faster cars, as the slower car made me a better driver. When EVO drivers shine like you do obviously, everyone makes the AWD comments. I always take them as compliments. Plenty of EVO's have gone off or spun to correct his lack of knowledge. But hey, my EVO makes me look good and I need all the help I can get.

I remember an EPIC auto-x moment when I was 10/10th's in a slalom and the last gate opened up to a wide-open tarmac. I pitched the EVO completely sideways at 60mph and drifted it across the entire skid pad "sideways" before timing the throttle perfectly to make the next gate and accelerating forward. If only I had video that day...... That was all EVO!

 

Great write up man! Thanks for sharing. I love GT-Rs, the half mile event was in Chicago two weekends ago and I saw a bunch of them. Amazing machines for sure. At some point I would like to get one whenever I do get rid of my Drag EVO. But it's sure a different level of a car, not just in specs, but price. Aftermarket parts and even OEM parts are very expensive. I would like to drive one. I never even sat in one lol.

 

ya gotta love GT-R's..but the evo has the most bang for the buck

and the styling is right on par, if not a little better IMO

 

The fact that it's automatic just completely kills it for me

 

nice write up. i enjoyed reading this.

 

The GTR is my golden Unicorn. I don't know that I will ever be in a position to afford to maintain one. I could buy a used one easily enough but the cost of ownership keeps me realistic.

 

What are the fenders all cut up on the Evo IX in the 3rd pic?

 

I know what you're saying... but just to be clear, the GTR is not an automatic. It's a manual paddle shift system.

That's different than the slush box in your moms Sonata that lets you slap shift with a 4 second delay. And every time you try to left foot brake the thing to get the rear to come around, the stupid ESC activates and you just end up parked in an intersection slightly crooked with a dumb look on your face.

Ok sorry.

I'm not a fan of the flappy paddle boxes, but they definitely have their place on the track.

 

Looks like tape. Protect that paint

 

Good read! Do Your front wheels have a different offset than the rear?

 

Yea I know what you mean but I wouldn't want to drive a car with a paddle shift, I feel like it takes some of the fun away. Anybody can hop in and just mash the pedal. Great machine regardless, just wish a manual option was available.

 

The gtr may be awesome, but I think im the only one who finds it ugly.

 

3rd pic - I have racers tape on the fender wells and front bumper to protect against rock chips. Correct

I bet 50% think a GT-R is ugly. The front bores me.

I'm so glad a few of you enjoyed the read. It was fun to write up. Thank you.

I don't have different offset in those pics. 17x9.5 RPF1's +38. Spacers upfront and none in rear. Those pics were with my RS3's. Here is a link with my blue powder coated RPF1's with Hoosier 275/35's. My thread here with pics and see how they fit.
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...75-35-r6s.html