Humor me for a bit, as I need some valid answers for a paper I'm writing for a Journalism class I'm taking. Disclaimer: This is in no way meant to incite any flame wars, I'm not bad mouthing anything, just trying to get some answers from the people who know best :-)

With the U.S. launch of the Nissan GT-R just around the corner, and comparatively bargain priced speedsters abound already (Z06/ soon-to-be ZR1, Viper/Viper ACR, etc), Why is it that people choose to buy Ferrari 612's and Lamborghini LP640 (and similar ilk) when there are cars that are rather similar in performance numbers for a $100,000 (or more) lower in price?

Give me your thoughts, please, they will all be very much appreciated, and with your answers, I do need a few things because I need to be able to attribute any quotations I use.
1.Name (First and Last please)
2.Location (City and State)
3.Age
(If you are uncomfortable giving this info out over the internet, my Email is SwingLifeAway100yahoo.com, please feel free to respond there as well.)

Again, feel free to respond and discuss with each other (I'll be throwing in more questions if they arise).

Thanks for the help!
-Kyle Donovan

Lamborghini:

Pros:
-Exclusive
-Luxurious
-Performance
-Innovative Style
-History/Name
-V12
-Status Symbol
-Panty Dropper

Cons:
-Exspensive
-At Times To Much Attention
-Drivability isn't as Ideal compaired to the GTR

GTR:
Pros:
-Best Bang for the Buck Ever?
-Innoviative AWD, Transmission, Stability Control
-Lots of Science
-Driveable, everywhere, anything

Cons:
-Styling isn't for Everyone
-A lot of science, not much "soul"
-Not much History in North America
-It's Japanese (this isn't meant to be offensive, but its a con when compaired to a Italian Exotic)

My personal opinion is that a person looking for a car will not cross breed these cars when thinking of a new car purchase.

When you want an exotic, you buy an exotic. (and maybe the GTR for fun)

When you want a fast car that you can afford, you buy the GTR.

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Dream to Achieve.

Plus, unless you want to void the warranty, the GT-R is maxed at 180kmh (here in Japan) and servicing is almost as expensive as a Lambo, which I think is Nissan's strategy to make up for the very aggressive pricing of the car.

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

I guess you will get a different answer from different parts of the world. Here in the US it's simple.

Today a Nissan is not an exotic...and regarding exotics, price in not the biggest factor in a purchase. The biggest draw comes from the heart instead of the checkbook.

Kyle Donovan - JP, NYC, 52 - Good Luck!

Thanks! I appreciate the responses, I've been having a rather in depth discussion over on Ferrarichat.com, and you all confirming what's been coming up there.

What I've gathered (please correct me if I'm wrong) is that its not really the price or the performance (for the most part) in choosing an exotic, but its the subjective values of the cars (i.e. sound, exterior design, "soul"-as was mentioned above, heritage, etc). Is it those things that make these cars more valuable?

I would add "exclusivity" to that list.

GT-Rs will soon be two a penny here in Japan, not so with a Lambo

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

Buying a super exotic, super expensive car is a goal that most of the people on these forums probably would have had since a very young age. I see it as a massive trophy/reward for their hard work and determination.

Ive wanted a Lamborghini since I was about 8 and I remember the first one I recognised. It was a yellow Diablo back in 1998, driving right by my house. What was so special about this one was that it had 'L plates' on the windshield, 'L plates' are what you have when you are learning to drive in Australia (ages 16-18). Ever since then Ive wanted one, and I have become determined to work towards reaching that goal, which is something that not everyone can do.

It's not just about speed and looks, although they do help, there is definitely the status symbol. You worked very hard to get where you are (usually), so I guess naturally you would be proud, and want to show off your hard work.

I think that this saying applies to super cars; the sum of the super car is more than its parts.

After going through several cars I finally came to the conclusion that just being fast was't enough. Anything can be made fast. It has become more about the overall driving experience. Two cars I've owned recently, Porsche 996 Turbo and a BMW M3, both brilliant cars and very fast. Yet when driving them I still felt somewhat numb. It was almost too easy. Most modern sports cars regardless of price lack personality and emotion, going very fast with little drama. Now get in a Lamborghini Countach. The sound, no power steering, heavy clutch and shifter. The looks, the doors, the smell. The overall effort to drive the car - that is an enjoyable driving experience. At least for me.

Lastly, the GT-R won't be winning any beauty contests.

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Ray G.
'88 Countach (white on white)#JLA12216
'91 Diablo (white on red)#MLA12237
'88 Jalpa (white on red) - SOLD

Very well said Ray

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

My screen name reflects the criteria for me and many American's when it comes to buying a car. The GT-R is fast, but not beautiful to most American exotic car enthusiasts. If a car doesn't ring both bells, it won't be in my stable.