Knife or scalpel may be the best way to describe the difference between the cars in this edition of Auction Dilemma. Whereas the 2009 Nissan GT-R, up for bid at Doug DeMuro’s Cars & Bids, is a jagged-edge cutting instrument. And the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, on auction at Bring a Trailer, is more of a refined tool. Regardless, both of these 2+2 vehicles do a fine job of slicing through the boredom of ordinary motoring. Let’s dive in.

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2009 Nissan GT-R

Auction Dilemma: Nissan GT-R Vs. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
carsandbids.com

Unabashedly, the GT-R is about acceleration over refinement. And that’s exactly what Nissan wanted when it launched the first GT-R in 2007 as the spiritual successor to the Skyline GT-R. It was also looking for a performance platform that went beyond its Z car. Minus a few exterior blemishes, this very clean Black Obsidian 2009 GT-R is the ideal showcase for Nissan’s engine prowess. An accident-free history and low 41,500 miles on the odometer only increase the car’s appeal.

The GT-R’s brute strength comes from a twin-turbo 3.8L V-6 factory rated for 480 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque. In stock form, Motor Trend reports the GT-R will do 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. The seller states that a Cobb Stage 3 ECU tune has been added, reportedly bumping horsepower into the 650-700 range, although a dyno report is not available to verify this claim. Adding to the car’s capabilities is an all-wheel-drive system managed by a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Auction Dilemma: Nissan GT-R Vs. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
carsandbids.com

Except for some creasing on the driver’s seat, the cabin appears in excellent shape and centers around the grey leather and fabric upholstery. Onboard equipment includes power front seats with heat, Bose audio system, navigation, and power-folding mirrors.

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2004 Porsche 911 4S

Auction Dilemma: Nissan GT-R Vs. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
bringatrailer.com

Given the first model launched in 1963, it’s no wonder the 911 has a reputation for performance and refinement. What the Porsche lacks in sheer horsepower, compared to the GT-R, it makes up for in handling precision that results from decades of constant tweaking and improving. With a no-accident history and less than 63,000 on the clock, this Seal Grey Metallic 911 represents another tempting opportunity for an auction-shopping enthusiast. The GT2-style rear wing and blacked-out rims help with the car’s go-fast appearance.

Compared to its Auction Dilemman counterpart, the Porsche’s 3.6L six-cylinder does fall flat (pun intended) compared to the Nissan. You can easily argue that twin-turbo engines have an unfair advantage over naturally aspirated powerplants. Still, at 315 HP and 273 lb-ft of torque, Porsche does squeeze everything it can out of its engines. Autoweek reported that a similarly equipped Carrera 4S hit 0-60 in 5.0 seconds. All-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual round out the mechanicals for this 2004 911.

Auction Dilemma: Nissan GT-R Vs. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
bringatrailer.com

Hop inside to find a well-cared-for black leather interior with an Alcantara headliner. Other cabin equipment includes power front seats with heat, automatic climate control, and Kenwood/Bose mashup sound system.

Power or Precision? The Choice Is Yours

Auction Dilemma: Nissan GT-R Vs. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
carsandbids.com/bringatrailer.com

The lure of pure horsepower can be hard to resist. Yet, there’s something to be said for a well-rounded driving experience. With three days left on bidding, the 2004 Nissan GT-R has a current high bid of $44,500. The auction on the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has a $28,00 hid bid and ends in one day.

Sources: carsandbids.com, bringatrailer.com, Motor Trend, Autoweek

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