Audi R8 V10 Plus or McLaren 570S - Opinions
Discussion
It is always exciting to be choosing between cars.
I looked at a (pre-facelift) new R8 about 18 months ago. I had a dealer loaner for a weekend. Coming from an RS6, the car felt light and the engine is a masterpiece. The cabin felt very cramped though and the luggage space is ridiculously small. I got to the end of 2 days of almost continuous driving with the realisation that the car was a bit too one-dimensional. Revving out the V10 was fantastic but beyond that, the car didn't feel special enough. The interior was bland and even after a couple of days I wasn't looking at the exterior excitedly.
I eventually bought a 720 last September. admittedly, not a 570 but I think a lot of the points for the mac are the same. It is significantly more exciting to look at, to drive, to even get into. I don't think I will ever stop looking back at the car after parking it. It does what a supercar should - it drives emotion. The R8 just seemed so bland by comparison.
Some of that may be resolved by choosing an R8 spider, but I would recommend the McLaren every time.
I looked at a (pre-facelift) new R8 about 18 months ago. I had a dealer loaner for a weekend. Coming from an RS6, the car felt light and the engine is a masterpiece. The cabin felt very cramped though and the luggage space is ridiculously small. I got to the end of 2 days of almost continuous driving with the realisation that the car was a bit too one-dimensional. Revving out the V10 was fantastic but beyond that, the car didn't feel special enough. The interior was bland and even after a couple of days I wasn't looking at the exterior excitedly.
I eventually bought a 720 last September. admittedly, not a 570 but I think a lot of the points for the mac are the same. It is significantly more exciting to look at, to drive, to even get into. I don't think I will ever stop looking back at the car after parking it. It does what a supercar should - it drives emotion. The R8 just seemed so bland by comparison.
Some of that may be resolved by choosing an R8 spider, but I would recommend the McLaren every time.
jakesmith said:
650spider said:
Yup... a large portion of the negative posts on here are regards to a 'friends' McLaren.
Yes, they depreciate heavily from new, yes, there are issues and yes, the warranty is expensive.
However, probably going to throw a grenade in the room here, but when i am in the nursing home, i doubt i would be looking back in regret that i never bought an Audi.
If you’re just buying a car because of the brand then you’re possibly going to regret quite a bit at nursing home ageYes, they depreciate heavily from new, yes, there are issues and yes, the warranty is expensive.
However, probably going to throw a grenade in the room here, but when i am in the nursing home, i doubt i would be looking back in regret that i never bought an Audi.
If that was the case i would never bought a McLaren going by the high volume of negative McLaren posts on here and social media.
Then i would if been looking back in the nursing home with regret; my experience of McLaren ownership has been fantastic.
The OP asked for thoughts and opinions; i gave mines and was in no means disrespectful.
DB77 said:
It is always exciting to be choosing between cars.
I looked at a (pre-facelift) new R8 about 18 months ago. I had a dealer loaner for a weekend. Coming from an RS6, the car felt light and the engine is a masterpiece. The cabin felt very cramped though and the luggage space is ridiculously small. I got to the end of 2 days of almost continuous driving with the realisation that the car was a bit too one-dimensional. Revving out the V10 was fantastic but beyond that, the car didn't feel special enough. The interior was bland and even after a couple of days I wasn't looking at the exterior excitedly.
I eventually bought a 720 last September. admittedly, not a 570 but I think a lot of the points for the mac are the same. It is significantly more exciting to look at, to drive, to even get into. I don't think I will ever stop looking back at the car after parking it. It does what a supercar should - it drives emotion. The R8 just seemed so bland by comparison.
Some of that may be resolved by choosing an R8 spider, but I would recommend the McLaren every time.
Interesting, and maybe something the OP needs to consider. Despite owning it for 6.5 years / 15k miles and loving every one of them - it's the complaint I have about my 360 these days. It's very very good at what it does - but you really have to be in the mood and when you're not, it's not so appealing.I looked at a (pre-facelift) new R8 about 18 months ago. I had a dealer loaner for a weekend. Coming from an RS6, the car felt light and the engine is a masterpiece. The cabin felt very cramped though and the luggage space is ridiculously small. I got to the end of 2 days of almost continuous driving with the realisation that the car was a bit too one-dimensional. Revving out the V10 was fantastic but beyond that, the car didn't feel special enough. The interior was bland and even after a couple of days I wasn't looking at the exterior excitedly.
I eventually bought a 720 last September. admittedly, not a 570 but I think a lot of the points for the mac are the same. It is significantly more exciting to look at, to drive, to even get into. I don't think I will ever stop looking back at the car after parking it. It does what a supercar should - it drives emotion. The R8 just seemed so bland by comparison.
Some of that may be resolved by choosing an R8 spider, but I would recommend the McLaren every time.
One of the things I've missed about my 650 for the last 3 months is that it is a very good "do everything" car (except large luggage). If I just want to trundle around, it does that very well - but if I want to drive like a maniac it does that too.
I would have guessed the Audi was more in the "good at everything" camp - i.e. more Porsche 911 than Ferrari - but if not, it's definitely a factor when choosing what kind of car you're after.
650spider said:
I always buy the car that i want, not based on the brand or other peoples opinions.
If that was the case i would never bought a McLaren going by the high volume of negative McLaren posts on here and social media.
Then i would if been looking back in the nursing home with regret; my experience of McLaren ownership has been fantastic.
The OP asked for thoughts and opinions; i gave mines and was in no means disrespectful.
That’s the opposite of what you said before though where you said given the choice of an R8 and a 570s you wouldn’t regret not buying the R8 later in life as it is an Audi. Just brand snobbery towards the R8 as usual on here. If that was the case i would never bought a McLaren going by the high volume of negative McLaren posts on here and social media.
Then i would if been looking back in the nursing home with regret; my experience of McLaren ownership has been fantastic.
The OP asked for thoughts and opinions; i gave mines and was in no means disrespectful.
Not everyone wants the most entry level, unreliable and ugly looking turbo engined car just because it is a McLaren.
Since lockdown, I've been on PH far less - because I got a bit sick of how much arguing goes on in general, and particularly how much anti-McLaren stuff goes on in the supercar section.
Last few days, I've started using it regularly again - and posting more - but this thread has made me remember why I'd stopped.
Hope the OP finds the car that he wants - I'm going to take a break from the playground again.
Last few days, I've started using it regularly again - and posting more - but this thread has made me remember why I'd stopped.
Hope the OP finds the car that he wants - I'm going to take a break from the playground again.
Quickmoose said:
Engage and prioritise the senses
For me:
Sight, sound and touch/feel
The stats are secondary as at this point they're all waaaay too fast
And life's too short to be focusing on money and what ifs.
£75k..... V12V
Where are you on that?.... emotional? logical? financial?
I think you are spot on Quick! Fantastic cars.For me:
Sight, sound and touch/feel
The stats are secondary as at this point they're all waaaay too fast
And life's too short to be focusing on money and what ifs.
£75k..... V12V
Where are you on that?.... emotional? logical? financial?
mm, guess it's when an opinion or fact become or is interpreted as confrontational or argumentative.
I love McLarens' design. It's brave, not always successful (720s IMO) but never dull. The 540/570/600 and 650/675 particularly.
Must add to my previous 'experience' of reliability and stuff.
First time I got up close and personal was with a different friends' 675 LT - awesome, he still has it and its not let him down, ever.
2nd experience of a Gen1 R8 v10 and it fired a piston out of itself when next to the above on an autoroute.
2nd time and multiple times after that Audi owner had bought a 720S and regrets it as an ownership experience
I'm not concerned with brand. An original gen 1 R v8 is on my watch list, it has aged superbly.
The new stuff... a backwards step aesthetically for me.
I wouldn't want an easy to drive "super" or "hyper" car. I don't want it to kill or scare me all the time either....it has to be an event. Sat on the drive, driving through town, on the open road and maybe (doubtfully) on track.
Aside from the engine/sound, I don't see the R8 being held aloft when the ICE dies in the same way a well sorted McLaren will be....nowt to do with badge.
I love McLarens' design. It's brave, not always successful (720s IMO) but never dull. The 540/570/600 and 650/675 particularly.
Must add to my previous 'experience' of reliability and stuff.
First time I got up close and personal was with a different friends' 675 LT - awesome, he still has it and its not let him down, ever.
2nd experience of a Gen1 R8 v10 and it fired a piston out of itself when next to the above on an autoroute.
2nd time and multiple times after that Audi owner had bought a 720S and regrets it as an ownership experience
I'm not concerned with brand. An original gen 1 R v8 is on my watch list, it has aged superbly.
The new stuff... a backwards step aesthetically for me.
I wouldn't want an easy to drive "super" or "hyper" car. I don't want it to kill or scare me all the time either....it has to be an event. Sat on the drive, driving through town, on the open road and maybe (doubtfully) on track.
Aside from the engine/sound, I don't see the R8 being held aloft when the ICE dies in the same way a well sorted McLaren will be....nowt to do with badge.
Quickmoose said:
Engage and prioritise the senses
For me:
Sight, sound and touch/feel
The stats are secondary as at this point they're all waaaay too fast
And life's too short to be focusing on money and what ifs.
£75k..... V12V
Where are you on that?.... emotional? logical? financial?
That is a great shout - stunning looking car, classy, amazing sound, plenty quick enough - but, you'll want the manual and that is a pain in stop start traffic and driving around town. Also, for me, the V12 Vantage was always a 7/10th's car and never really a sports car. When really pushing on down a decent road, I always felt it was starting to come a little unstuck.For me:
Sight, sound and touch/feel
The stats are secondary as at this point they're all waaaay too fast
And life's too short to be focusing on money and what ifs.
£75k..... V12V
Where are you on that?.... emotional? logical? financial?
I don't get all the McLaren bashing on here, it makes no sense to me. It is a shame as mos of it comes from hearsay and a friends friend, when in reality, there are very few issues with the 570S. Buy from a dealer and you can probably negotiate 2yrs warranty quite easily. Calling it the "most entry level" model is also a bit of an odd thing to say. Should you therefore not buy a Hurucan, any Ferrari model below the 812 etc because they are that brands entry level model?
OP - you're in a great position to be able to choose from 2 such awesome cars which are both very different and go about their business very differently and there are pluses and minuses for both. Get out in proper test drives on both, I'm assuming dealers will be fairly accommodating right now so a good time to be looking. You will know fairly quickly I'm sure which is the right one for you!
I was recently in the market for a 570s, then started to consider 650s Spiders, put a deposit on a 570s, sold my F-Type in preparation, then this Covid melarky kicked off. After some careful deliberation, I decided now wasn't the right time to sink a load of money into a £90k Mclaren. But having sold my F-Type I had space in the garage 
And money burns a hole in my pocket. So decided to take the opportunity to scratch an NA V10 itch. So I've just bought a 2011 R8 V10 Manual Spyder with low miles and full history, great spec too. My thought process, a £50k desirable manual NA V10 is likely to be a safer place to have the money whilst the dust settles on this mayhem. Then spring next year, I'll look to buy my 570s / 650s, or if values have tanked that much maybe I'll pick up a 720s for less than £100k 
Not sure if that could be an option for you? Park the big outlay for now, get a cheaper V10 R8 (Gen1?) to see how you like it, then next year when values have inevitable dropped, you'll be in a better position to make a decision on whether to upgrade the R8 or move to a Mclaren?
And money burns a hole in my pocket. So decided to take the opportunity to scratch an NA V10 itch. So I've just bought a 2011 R8 V10 Manual Spyder with low miles and full history, great spec too. My thought process, a £50k desirable manual NA V10 is likely to be a safer place to have the money whilst the dust settles on this mayhem. Then spring next year, I'll look to buy my 570s / 650s, or if values have tanked that much maybe I'll pick up a 720s for less than £100k Not sure if that could be an option for you? Park the big outlay for now, get a cheaper V10 R8 (Gen1?) to see how you like it, then next year when values have inevitable dropped, you'll be in a better position to make a decision on whether to upgrade the R8 or move to a Mclaren?
davek_964 said:
Interesting, and maybe something the OP needs to consider. Despite owning it for 6.5 years / 15k miles and loving every one of them - it's the complaint I have about my 360 these days. It's very very good at what it does - but you really have to be in the mood and when you're not, it's not so appealing.
One of the things I've missed about my 650 for the last 3 months is that it is a very good "do everything" car (except large luggage). If I just want to trundle around, it does that very well - but if I want to drive like a maniac it does that too.
I would have guessed the Audi was more in the "good at everything" camp - i.e. more Porsche 911 than Ferrari - but if not, it's definitely a factor when choosing what kind of car you're after.
Thats a good point. I also looked at Porsche when I tested the R8. Great cars but they only come alive when you get to silly speeds.One of the things I've missed about my 650 for the last 3 months is that it is a very good "do everything" car (except large luggage). If I just want to trundle around, it does that very well - but if I want to drive like a maniac it does that too.
I would have guessed the Audi was more in the "good at everything" camp - i.e. more Porsche 911 than Ferrari - but if not, it's definitely a factor when choosing what kind of car you're after.
Coming from a TVR I liked theatre and something that felt special, alive and loud and shouty even when crawling in traffic. It's also a big part of why I didn't go for the R8. The AMG GTS feels brutish even at slow speeds and gives more tingles to the senses even when parked.
The Macca would do the same - if I had the choice of just those 2 then it would be the 670S.
jakesmith said:
650spider said:
I always buy the car that i want, not based on the brand or other peoples opinions.
If that was the case i would never bought a McLaren going by the high volume of negative McLaren posts on here and social media.
Then i would if been looking back in the nursing home with regret; my experience of McLaren ownership has been fantastic.
The OP asked for thoughts and opinions; i gave mines and was in no means disrespectful.
That’s the opposite of what you said before though where you said given the choice of an R8 and a 570s you wouldn’t regret not buying the R8 later in life as it is an Audi. Just brand snobbery towards the R8 as usual on here. If that was the case i would never bought a McLaren going by the high volume of negative McLaren posts on here and social media.
Then i would if been looking back in the nursing home with regret; my experience of McLaren ownership has been fantastic.
The OP asked for thoughts and opinions; i gave mines and was in no means disrespectful.
Not everyone wants the most entry level, unreliable and ugly looking turbo engined car just because it is a McLaren.
Ok. The Audi wins. It is wonderful.
You can wipe the froth from your mouth now.
I shall depart also.
jakesmith said:
That’s the opposite of what you said before though where you said given the choice of an R8 and a 570s you wouldn’t regret not buying the R8 later in life as it is an Audi. Just brand snobbery towards the R8 as usual on here.
Not everyone wants the most entry level, unreliable and ugly looking turbo engined car just because it is a McLaren.
Complains that another poster is bashing one of the OP’s options then proceeds to bash the other option...brilliant Not everyone wants the most entry level, unreliable and ugly looking turbo engined car just because it is a McLaren.
t 
My intention was not for this to turn into a McLaren bashing thread. Any purchase will be made with my eyes wide open, and any Mac will only be bought if it comes with a main dealer warranty. So I appreciate there are loads of horror stories on the net about McLaren's, but I am hoping a warranty will help me navigate through any reliability issues that may come as part and parcel of the ownership experience.
On the V12V, it is a good shout but for me it doesn't give the visual drama of a supercar in my eyes. Not to say it isn't a lovely car its just that I am looking for something less GT and more supercar.
I don't think I would go back to a Gen 1 R8 simply because its a case of been there and done that, and have nothing but praise for the Gen 1 it is a fantastic car in many respects. Whats left is for me to test drive a Gen 2 Audi R8 and see if it can match the experience that the McLaren gave when I test drove that. So far in the game of comparing the two from what I have read on this thread I have the following: -
Exterior - McLaren
Interior/Cabin - R8
Noise/Engine - R8
Drive and Drama - McLaren
Ease of Use/Good in traffic - Draw (perhaps slight edge for R8)
Reliability - R8
Depreciation - No one really knows, but both likely to be similar
Thanks for all the input so far, would welcome any more thoughts as its all very insightful indeed
On the V12V, it is a good shout but for me it doesn't give the visual drama of a supercar in my eyes. Not to say it isn't a lovely car its just that I am looking for something less GT and more supercar.
I don't think I would go back to a Gen 1 R8 simply because its a case of been there and done that, and have nothing but praise for the Gen 1 it is a fantastic car in many respects. Whats left is for me to test drive a Gen 2 Audi R8 and see if it can match the experience that the McLaren gave when I test drove that. So far in the game of comparing the two from what I have read on this thread I have the following: -
Exterior - McLaren
Interior/Cabin - R8
Noise/Engine - R8
Drive and Drama - McLaren
Ease of Use/Good in traffic - Draw (perhaps slight edge for R8)
Reliability - R8
Depreciation - No one really knows, but both likely to be similar
Thanks for all the input so far, would welcome any more thoughts as its all very insightful indeed
Edited by BlackR8 on Tuesday 9th June 10:09
If you want a supercar get the McLaren, it's no contest in my eyes. Sure the Audi is probably better at a lot of things and more reliable but it doesn't have the wow factor a Mclaren does.
Get a warranty you might even be able to haggle 2 years from the main dealer. Supercars should be bought with your heart not your head.
Appreciate it's over budget but just look at that - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Get a warranty you might even be able to haggle 2 years from the main dealer. Supercars should be bought with your heart not your head.
Appreciate it's over budget but just look at that - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Stu-nph26 said:
If you want a supercar get the McLaren, it's no contest in my eyes. Sure the Audi is probably better at a lot of things and more reliable but it doesn't have the wow factor a Mclaren does.
Get a warranty you might even be able to haggle 2 years from the main dealer. Supercars should be bought with your heart not your head.
Appreciate it's over budget but just look at that - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Thats a lovely colour combo Get a warranty you might even be able to haggle 2 years from the main dealer. Supercars should be bought with your heart not your head.
Appreciate it's over budget but just look at that - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
BlackR8 said:
My intention was not for this to turn into a McLaren bashing thread. Any purchase will be made with my eyes wide open, and any Mac will only be bought if it comes with a main dealer warranty. So I appreciate there are loads of horror stories on the net about McLaren's, but I am hoping a warranty will help me navigate through any reliability issues that may come as part and parcel of the ownership experience.
On the V12V, it is a good shout but for me it doesn't give the visual drama of a supercar in my eyes. Not to say it isn't a lovely car its just that I am looking for something less GT and more supercar.
I don't think I would go back to a Gen 1 R8 simply because its a case of been there and done that, and have nothing but praise for the Gen 1 it is a fantastic car in many respects. Whats left is for me to test drive a Gen 2 Audi R8 and see if it can match the experience that the McLaren gave when I test drove that. So far in the game of comparing the two from what I have read on this thread I have the following: -
Exterior - McLaren
Interior/Cabin - R8
Noise/Engine - R8
Drive and Drama - McLaren
Ease of Use/Good in traffic - Draw (perhaps slight edge for R8)
Reliability - R8
Depreciation - No one really knows, but both likely to be similar
Thanks for all the input so far, would welcome any more thoughts as its all very insightful indeed
Now put those in order of preference and you're pretty much there. Definitely a head = R8, heart = McLarenOn the V12V, it is a good shout but for me it doesn't give the visual drama of a supercar in my eyes. Not to say it isn't a lovely car its just that I am looking for something less GT and more supercar.
I don't think I would go back to a Gen 1 R8 simply because its a case of been there and done that, and have nothing but praise for the Gen 1 it is a fantastic car in many respects. Whats left is for me to test drive a Gen 2 Audi R8 and see if it can match the experience that the McLaren gave when I test drove that. So far in the game of comparing the two from what I have read on this thread I have the following: -
Exterior - McLaren
Interior/Cabin - R8
Noise/Engine - R8
Drive and Drama - McLaren
Ease of Use/Good in traffic - Draw (perhaps slight edge for R8)
Reliability - R8
Depreciation - No one really knows, but both likely to be similar
Thanks for all the input so far, would welcome any more thoughts as its all very insightful indeed
Edited by BlackR8 on Tuesday 9th June 10:09
RSbandit said:
jakesmith said:
That’s the opposite of what you said before though where you said given the choice of an R8 and a 570s you wouldn’t regret not buying the R8 later in life as it is an Audi. Just brand snobbery towards the R8 as usual on here.
Not everyone wants the most entry level, unreliable and ugly looking turbo engined car just because it is a McLaren.
Complains that another poster is bashing one of the OP’s options then proceeds to bash the other option...brilliant Not everyone wants the most entry level, unreliable and ugly looking turbo engined car just because it is a McLaren.
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