RE: Audi R8 V10 Performance meets R8 V8
Discussion
I have driven an early V8 manual and own(ed) faster ‘super cars’ and it is perfectly true that the greater satisfaction comes from being able to use more the cars capabilities. On UK roads it means that it is often the lesser or older models that are more fun. The overpowered, overtired and overfirm contemporary models are more often than not just hugely frustrating. I thought the early V8 was a gem to drive just as a 981 Boxter was (and is) difficult to beat for the ‘fun factor’ in the Porsche range. I am less ‘purist’ about a manual gearbox though as there is a lot of satisfaction to be had from correctly timing the seamless changes on a good dual clutch box.
greenarrow said:
In fact you could say Audi was on a roll in 2006/07 with the RS4 and R8 and has perhaps regressed since then in some ways.
Makes me think they had people in just for those two cars who never worked for them again because they nailed them both and haven't ever managed to get anywhere near it before or since (UrQuattro and RS2 excepted).Baffling that they couldn't just follow whatever they did with those two for the rest of their cars.
RSbandit said:
Whatever your thoughts on the original or the current one the fact that Audi persevere with a naturally aspirated monster of a V10 should be applauded in an age when every other competitor has gone with turbocharged engines. I find pistonheads quite a funny place these days full of whingers and people finding fault with a V10 supercar.
You should be thanking Lamborghini.Gameface said:
RSbandit said:
Whatever your thoughts on the original or the current one the fact that Audi persevere with a naturally aspirated monster of a V10 should be applauded in an age when every other competitor has gone with turbocharged engines. I find pistonheads quite a funny place these days full of whingers and people finding fault with a V10 supercar.
You should be thanking Lamborghini.GetCarter said:
Gameface said:
RSbandit said:
Whatever your thoughts on the original or the current one the fact that Audi persevere with a naturally aspirated monster of a V10 should be applauded in an age when every other competitor has gone with turbocharged engines. I find pistonheads quite a funny place these days full of whingers and people finding fault with a V10 supercar.
You should be thanking Lamborghini.hyphen said:
GetCarter said:
Gameface said:
RSbandit said:
Whatever your thoughts on the original or the current one the fact that Audi persevere with a naturally aspirated monster of a V10 should be applauded in an age when every other competitor has gone with turbocharged engines. I find pistonheads quite a funny place these days full of whingers and people finding fault with a V10 supercar.
You should be thanking Lamborghini.
I always thought original R8 was ugly but compared to the new one, it’s Snow f-ing White.
The original is growing on me and a great car to drive because it feels special and keeps a low profile.
Unless you’re racing on the track, something like the original R8 is the perfect GT car to enjoy on the roads. I often grin when ppl try to race me when I’m driving my Porsche or Lambo. I mean street racing is pretty dangerous and a customized anything can beat any expensive super car any day. It’s pointless to race.
The original is growing on me and a great car to drive because it feels special and keeps a low profile.
Unless you’re racing on the track, something like the original R8 is the perfect GT car to enjoy on the roads. I often grin when ppl try to race me when I’m driving my Porsche or Lambo. I mean street racing is pretty dangerous and a customized anything can beat any expensive super car any day. It’s pointless to race.
ONEGUY_tv said:
Great article! I am biased but I love the original R8. I agree with the car using ‘too much oil’, I get through LOADS!
I just released a video (made with a couple of friends) on the original R8 if anyone is interested in watching it. We have had some great feedback and it fits in nicely with this article.
https://youtu.be/xfqJmPwd0zg
Fantastic short, both content and production with a lovely soundtrack on top from both the V8 and the artist. 10/10!I just released a video (made with a couple of friends) on the original R8 if anyone is interested in watching it. We have had some great feedback and it fits in nicely with this article.
https://youtu.be/xfqJmPwd0zg
sege said:
How did the V8 and V10 compare?
I remember the initial reviews in EVO of the V8 and it was gushing with praise at how tactile and exploitable the V8 was on the road...like a 400bhp Elise or something. Then the V10 came out and immediately put it on that supercar path of having too much for the road so you couldn't exploit it as much.
I'm not a fan of the V8 rumble, but the V10 sounds like a real supercar engine. Another poster has said the driving differences are marginal between the two therefore the V10 is the nicer car overall.
Thoughts?
The Original V8 (and maybe the V10 based on how much fun it was in comparison) would be the only Audi's I'd ever be interested in, (if I were rich, which I'm not). They both sound like they are true classics and wonderful cars.
Well the v10 has much the better grunt from a standing start and sounds so much better both mine where manual so I cant comment on the autos..I remember the initial reviews in EVO of the V8 and it was gushing with praise at how tactile and exploitable the V8 was on the road...like a 400bhp Elise or something. Then the V10 came out and immediately put it on that supercar path of having too much for the road so you couldn't exploit it as much.
I'm not a fan of the V8 rumble, but the V10 sounds like a real supercar engine. Another poster has said the driving differences are marginal between the two therefore the V10 is the nicer car overall.
Thoughts?
The Original V8 (and maybe the V10 based on how much fun it was in comparison) would be the only Audi's I'd ever be interested in, (if I were rich, which I'm not). They both sound like they are true classics and wonderful cars.
pride23s said:
Well the v10 has much the better grunt from a standing start and sounds so much better both mine where manual so I cant comment on the autos..
I’ve commonly read people say they prefer the sound of the V8. Infant get my head round that. Surely the V10 sounds better and has a F1 ring to it like the E60 M5?I’ve got the V8 and put a (frankly ridiculous) Quicksilver system on (which thankfully is valved.)
I have to say it is loud but it’s lacking the musicality of my previous Granturismo that had a marvellous Ferrari derived cross plane crank v8.
How would you describe the v10 sound?
One thing I can say is that the V8 has sufficient power for the road. I don’t get to open it up much as it is fast. 3rd gear is usable to red line at 95 roughly. I wouldn’t race an RS6 or E63 but in fairness I don’t think a V10 R8 would worry those sorts of cars either.
jakesmith said:
One thing I can say is that the V8 has sufficient power for the road. I don’t get to open it up much as it is fast. 3rd gear is usable to red line at 95 roughly. I wouldn’t race an RS6 or E63 but in fairness I don’t think a V10 R8 would worry those sorts of cars either.
I love R8s and totally respect them. Always have done. Love seeing them out and about. But I don’t want to own one. A few weeks back I came across one when I was out and about. Let’s just say Mr v10 spyder R8 seemed very upset/surprised (good natured!) that he couldn’t get past the boring, old man estate car (Amg E63S)
Also - OMG bonkers speeds are hit very quickly when you’re on it
I had an early V8 and swapped it eighteen months ago for a V10 Plus. The new car was a step on in nearly every area, but I didn’t miss the softer suspension settings on the old car, a lot. It was excellent on long journeys, limo-like in its ride whereas the new one tires me out a lot more quickly.
Robert-nszl1 said:
Any comments from owners on how the coupe is vs the spyder? I've always liked the look of the latter and a late V10 manual looks like a possible fit for my garage!
I’d have loved a spider but both of mine were coupes because of the extra practicality. You get a decent parcel shelf behind the seats in the coupe, no room at all in the spider, so for me it would not have worked for weekends away with the wife, which is the sort of thing I bought a sports car for.My only R8 experience was an invite to an RS launch in the South West.
We had a choice of a manual V8 or an V10 S-tronic spyder - we went with the latter.
Two overwhelming memories:
Terror - I've never encountered anything so quick.
and
Comfort - the ride was incredibly good. Far, far better than the new A8 we travelled down there in and certainly as comfortable as many of the French barges I've trundled around in.
The first ever, really comfortable modern Audi.
We had a choice of a manual V8 or an V10 S-tronic spyder - we went with the latter.
Two overwhelming memories:
Terror - I've never encountered anything so quick.
and
Comfort - the ride was incredibly good. Far, far better than the new A8 we travelled down there in and certainly as comfortable as many of the French barges I've trundled around in.
The first ever, really comfortable modern Audi.
Tony-K said:
I’m shopping for a used Abarth 595 at the moment after deciding that my R8 plus is actually no fun for some of the rings that I do. I’ll not sell the Audi, but may we’ll put it into storage for a while.
I had a 595 to thrash around the Sa Colobra and Majorca for a week and really enjoyed it. You wouldn't have been able to enjoy an R8 as much in the same way on those roads.200Plus Club said:
I had a 595 to thrash around the Sa Colobra and Majorca for a week and really enjoyed it. You wouldn't have been able to enjoy an R8 as much in the same way on those roads.
I took mine out to my new job in the Netherlands and it was no fun at all. Even the electric Smart cars I was renting there since were better.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff