Corvette C8 or R8 V10 ?

[ZeroGroundZero]

sonicbloo said:

ZeroGroundZero said:

........... so hoping to keep hold of it for at least 10 years - or until the C8 is something I just can't ignore)

but in 10 years the C8 will have been superceded by the C9, and then C10 (no doubt electric powered) which will make the C8 just an old out -dated Corvette

Hopefully an affordable out-dated Corvette

Depreciation is something that I am concious of but not something that will put me off buying - if I am satisfied that the car will not further lose 50% or more of its value of course!
I've always come from the mind set that I would never buy a car with the intention of just making money on it (I've no intention of become just a dealer or a flipper) - as some replies eluded to, this would mean I'd be scared of using it for fear of putting on mileage and wearing out components that would devalue the car.

I'll never buy a battery powered contraption either !

[davejones]

Interesting thread and the OP identifies a number of different dilemmas we face when choosing what wheels to put our hard earned cash into - such threads just serve to demonstrate how much a set of individual choices we are faced with and many of these are driven by personal preferences. I am now a "grumpy old man" schooled on manual cars and trying to resist what I see as the "Nanny state" aids that many newer cars come equipped with - although I guess at least the semi-auto boxes will prevent over revving on bad downshifts!!
I chose to purchase an Audi R8 V10 Manual Spyder last year because for me it ticked the boxes I wanted - it's fast, comfortable, sounds great, is involving, fun and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it and the running costs are manageable. I know some people do not consider them supercars but for me it is a Super Car..... It may not have the cachet of the Ferrari or Lambo etc but still hales from a company that has a very successful history in motorsport, offers a very envigorating driving experience and gets favourable comments and interest from the general public.
I am very fortunate to also be able to own some more "prestigious" brand cars but in truth they are not as easy to live with day to day as the R8 is.
If you go down the R8 route and you find a car that has been maintained in the Audi network, then you can purchase a warranty from the Audi website for about £1850 for twelve months I think up until the car is 10 years old.

[ZeroGroundZero]

Good reply, thanks Dave.


Question to all - you may tell I'm still in a bit of indecision on how best to spend my £50k on something that comes as close to the criteria listed earlier, but as the C8 will seemingly be well out of reach (unless a free-trade deal can be struck with the USA in the next year), could I ask opinions on a comparison between the V10 R8 and a 997 Turbo ?

997 Turbo offering what looks like more practicality for storage of luggage, which would allow me to travel around Europe on driving holidays, but the 911 shape being something 'bland' and an engine noise uninspiring in comparison to the R8 V10.
Is there an obvious choice between these two other than personal subjective opinion on the shape and sound?

[Trev450]

ZeroGroundZero said:

Question to all - you may tell I'm still in a bit of indecision on how best to spend my £50k on something that comes as close to the criteria listed earlier, but as the C8 will seemingly be well out of reach (unless a free-trade deal can be struck with the USA in the next year), could I ask opinions on a comparison between the V10 R8 and a 997 Turbo ?

997 Turbo offering what looks like more practicality for storage of luggage, which would allow me to travel around Europe on driving holidays, but the 911 shape being something 'bland' and an engine noise uninspiring in comparison to the R8 V10.
Is there an obvious choice between these two other than personal subjective opinion on the shape and sound?

You may find this thread from R8talk.com helpful. In this instance the OP is asking opinions between the V10 R8 and a Turbo S, but you should get the gist. https://www.r8talk.com/threads/2014-r8-v10-vs-911-...

[ZeroGroundZero]

Trev450 said:

You may find this thread from R8talk.com helpful. In this instance the OP is asking opinions between the V10 R8 and a Turbo S, but you should get the gist. https://www.r8talk.com/threads/2014-r8-v10-vs-911-...

Excellent. Thanks for that.

[PompeyReece]

ZeroGroundZero said:

Good reply, thanks Dave.


Question to all - you may tell I'm still in a bit of indecision on how best to spend my £50k on something that comes as close to the criteria listed earlier, but as the C8 will seemingly be well out of reach (unless a free-trade deal can be struck with the USA in the next year), could I ask opinions on a comparison between the V10 R8 and a 997 Turbo ?

997 Turbo offering what looks like more practicality for storage of luggage, which would allow me to travel around Europe on driving holidays, but the 911 shape being something 'bland' and an engine noise uninspiring in comparison to the R8 V10.
Is there an obvious choice between these two other than personal subjective opinion on the shape and sound?

I looked at a 997 Turbo and a Nissan GT-R when buying my R8. For the money, you can get a better specced, younger R8/GT-R with less mileage vs same cost for a Turbo. Probably a good reason for that but......

In summary the GT-R was bloody quick but soulless with the wrong image for me. The turbo was quick also, practical but too bland for me so the R8 hit the sweet spot.

If I had 50k to spend, it'll be on a V10 Manual any day of the week!

[Pioneer]

Thought about an i8? Very useable, cheap to run, better looks, better build quality. Quick enough, lacks the noise but with UK roads when you're stuck in traffic it's a joy to drive. Wife's car but I actually think I prefer it to the Lambo. R8 and the L both feel very dated compared. In fact all my cars feel dated compared. £50k will get you a decent approved main dealer car. Gets loads of attn. which the wife hates but doesn't bother me.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2015/08/22/would-you-buy-t...

[Raven Flyer]

Pioneer said:

Thought about an i8? Very useable, cheap to run, better looks, better build quality. Quick enough, lacks the noise but with UK roads when you're stuck in traffic it's a joy to drive. Wife's car but I actually think I prefer it to the Lambo. R8 and the L both feel very dated compared. In fact all my cars feel dated compared. £50k will get you a decent approved main dealer car. Gets loads of attn. which the wife hates but doesn't bother me.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2015/08/22/would-you-buy-t...

I cannot imagine more polar opposite cars, than this list and an i8.

[Pioneer]

Raven Flyer said:

I cannot imagine more polar opposite cars, than this list and an i8.

And yet they're put up against each other repeatedly. Same price, performance etc but you're right, big NA v Hybrid. The wife had shortlisted the R8 and the i8! I love my big NA V10s BUT the i8 is an absolute hoot to drive, light, precise and that instant take-off beats my LP every time

[ZeroGroundZero]

Thanks for the i8 suggestion but no thanks, that wouldn't be for me.
I've not driven one (only sat in one so far) but the notion of paying £50k for a 3 cylinder 1.5L engine doesn't fill me with enthusiasm nor value for money

[Pioneer]

ZeroGroundZero said:

Thanks for the i8 suggestion but no thanks, that wouldn't be for me.
I've not driven one (only sat in one so far) but the notion of paying £50k for a 3 cylinder 1.5L engine doesn't fill me with enthusiasm nor value for money

That 3 cylinder engine beats my V10 5.2 away from the lights by a long shot! Well at least until about 50mph. Admittedly the 100kw motor helps a tiny bit

Unfortunately, the ice's will get smaller and the elec. motors more powerful until these cars we love are all 100% EV. I'm trying to embrace it ... unsuccessfully at the moment

[Pvapour]

Pioneer said:

ZeroGroundZero said:

Thanks for the i8 suggestion but no thanks, that wouldn't be for me.
I've not driven one (only sat in one so far) but the notion of paying £50k for a 3 cylinder 1.5L engine doesn't fill me with enthusiasm nor value for money

That 3 cylinder engine beats my V10 5.2 away from the lights by a long shot! Well at least until about 50mph. Admittedly the 100kw motor helps a tiny bit

Unfortunately, the ice's will get smaller and the elec. motors more powerful until these cars we love are all 100% EV. I'm trying to embrace it ... unsuccessfully at the moment

Whats it like on the move, say 50-100 coming out of corners?

[andy97]

Pioneer said:

Thought about an i8? Very useable, cheap to run, better looks, better build quality. Quick enough, lacks the noise but with UK roads when you're stuck in traffic it's a joy to drive. Wife's car but I actually think I prefer it to the Lambo. R8 and the L both feel very dated compared. In fact all my cars feel dated compared. £50k will get you a decent approved main dealer car. Gets loads of attn. which the wife hates but doesn't bother me.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2015/08/22/would-you-buy-t...

Must admit, I sort of like the idea of one, as would be quite good fun and very economical on my current 10 mile each way commute on a twisty A -road but I actually really don't like the rear end styling much at all. Trying too hard to be different

Pioneer said:

That 3 cylinder engine beats my V10 5.2 away from the lights by a long shot! Well at least until about 50mph. Admittedly the 100kw motor helps a tiny bit

Unfortunately, the ice's will get smaller and the elec. motors more powerful until these cars we love are all 100% EV. I'm trying to embrace it ... unsuccessfully at the moment

I may have missed something but i an a little surprised that a manufacturer hasnt built a car with an electric motor for each axle and a small turbo charged ice driving a generator at a constant (& most efficient) rpm rather than having any direct mechanical drive between the ice and the wheels at all.
Allied to batteries this would surely give the best range and performance in todays real world?
If this configuration has been produced, happy to be educated.

Edited by andy97 on Tuesday 17th December 12:49

[andy97]

Pvapour said:

Whats it like on the move, say 50-100 coming out of corners?

This is the Autotrader i8 review of that particular point:

What's it like to drive? 5/5


Any supercar – even an efficient one – should feel exhilarating in the bends, and that’s a job that the i8 does impressively well. The car’s light weight makes it feel supremely agile when you’re changing direction, and you also have enormous grip and quick steering that gives you plenty of feedback and precision. The standard adaptive suspension also gives you unshakeable body control when you have one of the sportier driving modes selected. Then, when you get to the end of your favourite back road, you can select one of the other modes – one that focuses less on performance and more on economy – and the suspension softens off to give a forgiving and comfortable ride. This makes the i8 a surprisingly relaxed car in which pootle round town or to trudge up and down motorways.

[Pvapour]

andy97 said:

Pvapour said:

Whats it like on the move, say 50-100 coming out of corners?

This is the Autotrader i8 review of that particular point:

What's it like to drive? 5/5


Any supercar – even an efficient one – should feel exhilarating in the bends, and that’s a job that the i8 does impressively well. The car’s light weight makes it feel supremely agile when you’re changing direction, and you also have enormous grip and quick steering that gives you plenty of feedback and precision. The standard adaptive suspension also gives you unshakeable body control when you have one of the sportier driving modes selected. Then, when you get to the end of your favourite back road, you can select one of the other modes – one that focuses less on performance and more on economy – and the suspension softens off to give a forgiving and comfortable ride. This makes the i8 a surprisingly relaxed car in which pootle round town or to trudge up and down motorways.

Cool, thanks.

Have you got any luxury cars (or past experience) you could bench mark it’s ride against?

[Pioneer]

Ownership wise I can only compare it to the two Lambo's I've had and a few BMW M cars (M3/M4/M5/M6). Have had R8s, 911's, a 458 in the extended family but not mine so only borrowed. Compared, the i8 is a strange thing. Great fun to drive, responsive, very light steering, great road holding, instant acceleration that just keeps pulling. In sport mode, it's a more comfortable ride than the 5.0 ltr and 5.2 ltr Gallardos. Nowhere near as raw obviously and the 'smoothness' loses the sense of acceleration. Handling I'd say is actually better suited for UK roads. Weird thing is at the press of a button you're in full electric mode and everything just changes, not really talking about the handling or performance but the feel of the car - or how it makes you feel. Things just become serene, acceleration still there but no drama, no noise. And in heavy traffic, it's just perfect. Unlike a big V10 idling away. And omg, they are cheap to run - SO cheap! It really highlights how archaic ice's are. I jump back in my nice dd LWB 7 series with all the toys and suddenly it feels like very old tech with a dirty great lump chugging away under the bonnet. I've always been a NA fan and when the wife picked the i8 I sighed quietly to myself. Then I drove it. My plan was to replace my car with a Huracan but I'm in a real dilemma now. I keep looking at the Taycan, MVision, eTron GT etc etc. Not good

[ZeroGroundZero]

Still checking the market for options. Still in a bit of a quandry.
To R8 or not to R8


My position is that I come from a number of 'old school' Japanese performance cars. I've owned R34 Skyline, EVO-6 and EVO-X, and recently sold my 450bhp Supra.

The Supra was the best car I've had so far, being slightly tuned, it performed as a reliable sports GT that could also handle the Nurburgring with relative ease.
Also used to go on summer road trips around the Alps in it. It was practical enough for storing luggage to last us for 2 weeks travel, powerful enough to be fun on track, 0-60 in 4.5sec, RWD for playfulness, manual gearbox for driver-car connection and all packed up in a sleek GT shape that turned heads where ever it went.

With prices having shot up over the past few years I decided to sell it on for what was a 'crazy' amount of money (£37k - as it was a rare UK 6-speed twin turbo with only 80k miles on the clock - that is not far off the original list price when brand new out of the factory! - I bought it 2nd hand for only £16k !, so quite a 'profit' in some respects).

I've since been looking to "step up" from the Supra, and struggled to find anything that would do it without having to go up to the >£100K price bracket which is well over my budget.

I would have loved to have gone for the AM V8 4.7, but I know a couple of people who have them already and the ownership costs are just too high, and they say its not a car that is happy on track, with it being underpowered and fearful of the engine/drive train being a bit too weak for such intense use.
So I'm looking at the V10 R8 as the option that would possibly get closest to what I'm after. Although the BMW M4 has now placed its head above the parapet. The M4 offering the RWD and the practicality to go off on road trips, but the V10 R8 offering a much more special experience, albeit only for weekend trips.


One question about the R8's 4WD system, do I understand it correctly to be a 80%-20% rear-front bias in normal drive. With mechanical LSDs (front and rear) to prevent power sapping away at an unloaded wheel? And then if an entire axel loses traction, the system can send a maximum of 35% to the front? (for the Gen 1 R8) Meaning that it will always have a RWD 'feel' to the set up?
(Be nice if that was the case, but hoping some of you guys know the score on this)

[PompeyReece]

ZeroGroundZero said:

One question about the R8's 4WD system, do I understand it correctly to be a 80%-20% rear-front bias in normal drive. With mechanical LSDs (front and rear) to prevent power sapping away at an unloaded wheel? And then if an entire axel loses traction, the system can send a maximum of 35% to the front? (for the Gen 1 R8) Meaning that it will always have a RWD 'feel' to the set up?
(Be nice if that was the case, but hoping some of you guys know the score on this)

I thought it was more 60%-40%?

[Trev450]

PompeyReece said:

ZeroGroundZero said:

One question about the R8's 4WD system, do I understand it correctly to be a 80%-20% rear-front bias in normal drive. With mechanical LSDs (front and rear) to prevent power sapping away at an unloaded wheel? And then if an entire axel loses traction, the system can send a maximum of 35% to the front? (for the Gen 1 R8) Meaning that it will always have a RWD 'feel' to the set up?
(Be nice if that was the case, but hoping some of you guys know the score on this)

I thought it was more 60%-40%?

Sorry Reece but ZeroGroundZero is spot on with his understanding.

The car does have a RWD feel to it but with stock suspension geo it will understeer when pushed. If this is unaceptable, dialing in a more track-focused set up will certainly help. Alternatively, RWD conversion kits are available for under a £1K.

[PompeyReece]

Trev450 said:

Sorry Reece but ZeroGroundZero is spot on with his understanding.

The car does have a RWD feel to it but with stock suspension geo it will understeer when pushed. If this is unaceptable, dialing in a more track-focused set up will certainly help. Alternatively, RWD conversion kits are available for under a £1K.

Ta for the clarification Trev