RE: Spotted: 2007 Audi R8
Discussion
A friend who recently went from auto R8 to a Nissan GTR after a string of (mostly auto cab.) 911's. Likens the R8 to a stunning 23 year old bimbo that all your mates are jealous of but is thick and boring in bed,and the GTR to an old Bangkok bargirl that could suck a golf ball through a hosepipe and give you the best business advice you ever had! That said I doubt he's ever driven anything at more than seven tenths.
I'm a frequent visitor to piston heads but never comment on anything. However I feel I must comment on this article, having owned 3 911's (993 C4S, 996 C2 Cab and 997 C4S) and 2 R8's (V8 Coupe and V10 Spyder)...
The R8 remains more of an event for me, puts more of a smile on my face and touches on the exotic category without exotic pricing or maintenance.
I wouldn't go back to Porsche - though both my C4S' were excellent (didn't like 996) they just weren't as special for me as an everyday driver... But I didn't track any of them and so it's a perspective from the road rather than the final say in performance and capability.
What I do know though is that my white V10 Spyder makes me feel like a 911 never could, turbo or otherwise... Getting into it, driving it and getting out... And It makes others smile too!
The R8 remains more of an event for me, puts more of a smile on my face and touches on the exotic category without exotic pricing or maintenance.
I wouldn't go back to Porsche - though both my C4S' were excellent (didn't like 996) they just weren't as special for me as an everyday driver... But I didn't track any of them and so it's a perspective from the road rather than the final say in performance and capability.
What I do know though is that my white V10 Spyder makes me feel like a 911 never could, turbo or otherwise... Getting into it, driving it and getting out... And It makes others smile too!
Thestickmeister said:
I'm a frequent visitor to piston heads but never comment on anything. However I feel I must comment on this article, having owned 3 911's (993 C4S, 996 C2 Cab and 997 C4S) and 2 R8's (V8 Coupe and V10 Spyder)...
The R8 remains more of an event for me, puts more of a smile on my face and touches on the exotic category without exotic pricing or maintenance.
I wouldn't go back to Porsche - though both my C4S' were excellent (didn't like 996) they just weren't as special for me as an everyday driver... But I didn't track any of them and so it's a perspective from the road rather than the final say in performance and capability.
What I do know though is that my white V10 Spyder makes me feel like a 911 never could, turbo or otherwise... Getting into it, driving it and getting out... And It makes others smile too!
The R8 remains more of an event for me, puts more of a smile on my face and touches on the exotic category without exotic pricing or maintenance.
I wouldn't go back to Porsche - though both my C4S' were excellent (didn't like 996) they just weren't as special for me as an everyday driver... But I didn't track any of them and so it's a perspective from the road rather than the final say in performance and capability.
What I do know though is that my white V10 Spyder makes me feel like a 911 never could, turbo or otherwise... Getting into it, driving it and getting out... And It makes others smile too!
V10 spider is a whole different kettle of fish!
adz13091982 said:
It'll be interesting to see what the reliability of the R8 is like when the miles get up - as I recently found out to my own expense buying a RS4, Audi's aren't built like they used to be.
My r8 was the only car I have ever bought new that did not have major issues,in fact in 3 years it went to the garage once for its biannual service at £400.Meanwhile my 996 tt literally blew up ,my 997 turbo spent 5 of the 8 months i had it in the porsche workshop.I know guys with rs6s who hammer them and they love them because they never go wrong.Also ref 'gallardo being unreliable' post,nope,not had any major issues and mines coming up to 30,000 miles ,they are expensive to service but I did a lot of research befor buying mine and they are pretty tough beasts.Maybe the very early ones were a bit iffy but anyting 05 on is a pretty sound car.The egear is a bit of a pain but thats why I went for a manual,have a look on the gallardo boards you dont see many people with issues.
There is an important point here that is being missed,all the cars discussed are cracking cars,any 911,any r8 a AMv8,NIssan GTR ...these are all great cars ,which one someone prefers is just down to taste ,but none are bad cars and anyone driving any of these is a lucky person.
Great pub based conversation topic.
For me:
Aston
Audi
911 This is a distant 3rd for me, I just don't like the way they look and never have. I'm sure they are great to drive.
If I had about that money to spend I would consider the following dependant on exactly how practical it had to be:
Gallardo
F355 and some change, 50k buys almost any 355 low miles + F1
GTR and change
Sagaris and change (for an engine rebuild) http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3167367.htm in that colour must be a one off which none of the other options are.
In this month's EVO they stuck timing equipment in an Audi RS3 and it got to 60 in 4.3 in the wet (from memory) which is quicker than the Audi V8 R8 and cheaper than this used example if you don't go mad on the options. Also has the benefit of being new and having space for more luggage than just golf clubs.
Andy
For me:
Aston
Audi
911 This is a distant 3rd for me, I just don't like the way they look and never have. I'm sure they are great to drive.
If I had about that money to spend I would consider the following dependant on exactly how practical it had to be:
Gallardo
F355 and some change, 50k buys almost any 355 low miles + F1
GTR and change
Sagaris and change (for an engine rebuild) http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3167367.htm in that colour must be a one off which none of the other options are.
In this month's EVO they stuck timing equipment in an Audi RS3 and it got to 60 in 4.3 in the wet (from memory) which is quicker than the Audi V8 R8 and cheaper than this used example if you don't go mad on the options. Also has the benefit of being new and having space for more luggage than just golf clubs.
Andy
R8 for me. The rarest by a country mile, the best depreciation (that 911 turbo has lost 20k more in a few years), and a powerful, great sounding engine. Factor in the fact that it's an Audi, and they've approached it in a sensible manner ('off the shelf' engine, four wheel drive) and it's a clear winner for me. There's also no 'image', like there is with an aston (bond, james bond... tt) or porsche.
Also, they're genuinely quick cars - 10 secs to 100 is fast - a couple quicker than the rs3 and co, who trade on traction and not a lot else.
I think people know that aston made too many v8 vantages, and they weren't particularly good cars, hence the dreadful depreciation.
Also, they're genuinely quick cars - 10 secs to 100 is fast - a couple quicker than the rs3 and co, who trade on traction and not a lot else.
I think people know that aston made too many v8 vantages, and they weren't particularly good cars, hence the dreadful depreciation.
Ive just sold my V8V and bought an R8.
The R8 is just an amazing car, more practical than you would believe (although less boot room than the Vantage).
I miss the wonderful noise from the Vantage but it always felt fragile whereas the R8 is such a well built bit of kit.
Always have had good reactions to the Audi from other road users but the raection from everyone in the Aston was remarkable (let out at every junction, waves, people taking pictures).
I personally love the 997 Turbo, but for me the R8 is the best of the three and a very very good daily driver.
Would love a Gallardo but even a former Lambo salesman had to admit to me that the R8 amazed him and he sells Aston's now for a living!!
Would agree with other posts that its all subjective, we all want something slightly different which is great and keeps the used car market busy!!
Must admit I hanker after a F430 as well!!
The R8 is just an amazing car, more practical than you would believe (although less boot room than the Vantage).
I miss the wonderful noise from the Vantage but it always felt fragile whereas the R8 is such a well built bit of kit.
Always have had good reactions to the Audi from other road users but the raection from everyone in the Aston was remarkable (let out at every junction, waves, people taking pictures).
I personally love the 997 Turbo, but for me the R8 is the best of the three and a very very good daily driver.
Would love a Gallardo but even a former Lambo salesman had to admit to me that the R8 amazed him and he sells Aston's now for a living!!
Would agree with other posts that its all subjective, we all want something slightly different which is great and keeps the used car market busy!!
Must admit I hanker after a F430 as well!!
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