Audi R8 V10 Plus or McLaren 570S - Opinions
Discussion
Hi All,
I am shortly going to be back in the market for another supercar. Budget of approx £75k and so far I have narrowed it down to these two cars.
Important factors for me are: -
- Sense of occasion when driving (exhaust note helps with that!)
- Can cope comfortably with slow moving start/stop traffic (I live in a city so it can't be helped)
- Ideally won't lose a ton load of money over the coming couple of years
- Reliable and no 'major' weak points (i.e. engine/gearbox)
Would welcome opinions from people who have owned both, either or have spent time around them.
I am shortly going to be back in the market for another supercar. Budget of approx £75k and so far I have narrowed it down to these two cars.
Important factors for me are: -
- Sense of occasion when driving (exhaust note helps with that!)
- Can cope comfortably with slow moving start/stop traffic (I live in a city so it can't be helped)
- Ideally won't lose a ton load of money over the coming couple of years
- Reliable and no 'major' weak points (i.e. engine/gearbox)
Would welcome opinions from people who have owned both, either or have spent time around them.
mikiec said:
Have a gen 1 r8 but mate owned a gen2 +. In sports mode it just sounds sensational.
I’d say on all four factors the r8 is ahead. But I’m guessing from your username you have had an r8 so maybe something different?
Gen 2 cabin and tech is miles better then the gen 1 r8.
Yes mate, I have had a Gen 1 R8 a few years back, it was the V8 though. The car was excellent - I had a Larini exhaust too which helped with the noise I’d say on all four factors the r8 is ahead. But I’m guessing from your username you have had an r8 so maybe something different?
Gen 2 cabin and tech is miles better then the gen 1 r8.
Is the Gen 2 different enough to make it feel like something new? I do think the McLaren looks more 'supercar' but I fear it will be lacking in the engine drama department.
This will be very partisan.
For specialness/looks, the Macca possibly just edges it but on everything else, especially the sound, the V10 R8 is the clear winner.
I have a gen 1 Spyder, with the later S Tronic gearbox. It is faultless in traffic (my girlfriend is happy poodling around in it) but is an animal in sport mode. With the roof down, or even just with the rear window open, the screaming howl of the V10 at 8700rpm is simply epic. You will never tire of that sound.
The Audi extended warranty is just over a grand, but nothing has gone wrong. Interim services are around £450.
Both cars have mostly done their depreciation (Covid world recessions excluded) but perhaps the Gen 2 still has a bit more to go. Your £75k will get you a very nice R8 Gen 2 Coupe or Spyder, which should give you trouble free smiles for years to come.
You need some test drives, to see which you could live but cost of R8 ownership is very low once you have bought it.
For specialness/looks, the Macca possibly just edges it but on everything else, especially the sound, the V10 R8 is the clear winner.
I have a gen 1 Spyder, with the later S Tronic gearbox. It is faultless in traffic (my girlfriend is happy poodling around in it) but is an animal in sport mode. With the roof down, or even just with the rear window open, the screaming howl of the V10 at 8700rpm is simply epic. You will never tire of that sound.
The Audi extended warranty is just over a grand, but nothing has gone wrong. Interim services are around £450.
Both cars have mostly done their depreciation (Covid world recessions excluded) but perhaps the Gen 2 still has a bit more to go. Your £75k will get you a very nice R8 Gen 2 Coupe or Spyder, which should give you trouble free smiles for years to come.
You need some test drives, to see which you could live but cost of R8 ownership is very low once you have bought it.
BlackR8 said:
Hi All,
I am shortly going to be back in the market for another supercar. Budget of approx £75k and so far I have narrowed it down to these two cars.
Important factors for me are: -
- Sense of occasion when driving (exhaust note helps with that!)
- Can cope comfortably with slow moving start/stop traffic (I live in a city so it can't be helped)
- Ideally won't lose a ton load of money over the coming couple of years
- Reliable and no 'major' weak points (i.e. engine/gearbox)
Would welcome opinions from people who have owned both, either or have spent time around them.
As my next car will possibly be a McLaren, I've spent a bit of time around them when I can.I am shortly going to be back in the market for another supercar. Budget of approx £75k and so far I have narrowed it down to these two cars.
Important factors for me are: -
- Sense of occasion when driving (exhaust note helps with that!)
- Can cope comfortably with slow moving start/stop traffic (I live in a city so it can't be helped)
- Ideally won't lose a ton load of money over the coming couple of years
- Reliable and no 'major' weak points (i.e. engine/gearbox)
Would welcome opinions from people who have owned both, either or have spent time around them.
Like you I have a Gen 1 R8 however comments would be:
- I prefer the V10 NA than V8 turbo engine and a modified exhaust will improve that. However I've been impressed with the 570s sports exhaust note, especially the idle sound. It's not as clear cut as I'd thought but the V10 would still win +1 for the Audi on engine noise, +1 for the McLaren on supercar experience i.e. attention
- A draw
- Gen 2 will arguably lose more than a 570S. +1 for the McLaren
- Engine is rock solid on both however Thorney mention McLaren geabox issues on one of their videos. Can't recall if this applied to the 570s but still..... +1 for the Audi
If I was in your shoes, it'll be a very tough call.
I think The r8 will tick everybox you have made more so than the Mclaren
V10 Check
Audi quality for slow moving traffic check
no weak points check (that i can think off)
Sounds sensational looks nice
I am not a mclaren fan but i do know where my money would go, i have seen many reviews saying how great they drive etc but then so does a R8.. ITs 80% supercar but one you can use every day without a worry in the world.
V10 Check
Audi quality for slow moving traffic check
no weak points check (that i can think off)
Sounds sensational looks nice
I am not a mclaren fan but i do know where my money would go, i have seen many reviews saying how great they drive etc but then so does a R8.. ITs 80% supercar but one you can use every day without a worry in the world.
Thanks for the responses so far, very insightful.
A question for those who have owned both, does the Gen2 Audi R8 still produce that true sense of occasion when getting into it and driving?
I have been fortunate to own other italian brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini and they have in all honestly given me a much greater sense of occasion just looking at them let alone getting into it and firing up the engine.
However at £75k what the Audi R8 now has compared to the italian equivalents (2014 onwards) is the N/A engine at the budget I have, the equivalent mid-engined N/A Ferrari or Lamborghini with a dual clutch box (essential) are easily north of £100k, hence my choice has been whittled down to the Mac or Audi.
A question for those who have owned both, does the Gen2 Audi R8 still produce that true sense of occasion when getting into it and driving?
I have been fortunate to own other italian brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini and they have in all honestly given me a much greater sense of occasion just looking at them let alone getting into it and firing up the engine.
However at £75k what the Audi R8 now has compared to the italian equivalents (2014 onwards) is the N/A engine at the budget I have, the equivalent mid-engined N/A Ferrari or Lamborghini with a dual clutch box (essential) are easily north of £100k, hence my choice has been whittled down to the Mac or Audi.
Very tough call as 2 very different cars that go about their business very differently...
Defo drive both. The R8 will have the noise for sure and they do look good, but then again, the way the McLaren drives is such a big plus point. You'll get used to the noise too and actually suits the character of the car after a while and you'll grow to like it I'm sure (I came out of a de-catted V12 Vantage so was very worried about missing that noise, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be).
I think the McLaren will be a lot more fun to drive, the looks are incredible, the doors are mega and the way they go, handle and stop is very, very addictive. I knew within about 50 metres of my first test drive in one I was going to buy it.
In terms of mechanical issues, I think very few with the 570S and leave it in auto when in town and is an absolute doddle to drive (I live in London and no issues at all).
Either would be a great choice but both offer something very different so I think a decent drive with both is the only way to decide!
Defo drive both. The R8 will have the noise for sure and they do look good, but then again, the way the McLaren drives is such a big plus point. You'll get used to the noise too and actually suits the character of the car after a while and you'll grow to like it I'm sure (I came out of a de-catted V12 Vantage so was very worried about missing that noise, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be).
I think the McLaren will be a lot more fun to drive, the looks are incredible, the doors are mega and the way they go, handle and stop is very, very addictive. I knew within about 50 metres of my first test drive in one I was going to buy it.
In terms of mechanical issues, I think very few with the 570S and leave it in auto when in town and is an absolute doddle to drive (I live in London and no issues at all).
Either would be a great choice but both offer something very different so I think a decent drive with both is the only way to decide!
Currently have a 570s and had a Gen 1 V10 plus (with a V12VS in between). So I came from two cars that unarguably have some of the best sounding engines ever and I have to say the sports exhaust on my 570s sounds plenty fruity. OK it's not as good as the Aston at low revs ( up to 3.5k that V12 is like nothing else noise wise) and not quite as brutal when wrung out like Audis V10 but it still sounds much better than people give it credit for. As for sense of occasion the Mclaren wins hands down, low slung with terrific road presence and then you open the doors...kids just love it! The Mclaren the better steer too so tactile and agile. Running costs the R8 will be easier on the pocket alright but I felt with the new one you could almost be sitting in any Audi given the prevalence of the virtual cockpit although I appreciate there are bespoke dials for climate control etc. I consider both to be supercars for sure but the Mclaren has that bit more pedigree and cachet. Can't go wrong with either anyway.
RSbandit said:
Currently have a 570s and had a Gen 1 V10 plus (with a V12VS in between). So I came from two cars that unarguably have some of the best sounding engines ever and I have to say the sports exhaust on my 570s sounds plenty fruity. OK it's not as good as the Aston at low revs ( up to 3.5k that V12 is like nothing else noise wise) and not quite as brutal when wrung out like Audis V10 but it still sounds much better than people give it credit for. As for sense of occasion the Mclaren wins hands down, low slung with terrific road presence and then you open the doors...kids just love it! The Mclaren the better steer too so tactile and agile. Running costs the R8 will be easier on the pocket alright but I felt with the new one you could almost be sitting in any Audi given the prevalence of the virtual cockpit although I appreciate there are bespoke dials for climate control etc. I consider both to be supercars for sure but the Mclaren has that bit more pedigree and cachet. Can't go wrong with either anyway.
Awesome choices and interesting thoughts. Been pondering between: R8, V12VS, 570S, 650S. At the moment- I'm edging towards V12VS for the V12 or 650S for the Ronspeak and dynamics. At £75k you have a greater choice of V10 R8's than you will of 570s. There are no 570's listed on AutoTrader under £80k and only 18 under £100k for example. Even allowing for the current market, your choice is very much limited to the bottom of the market if you go down the McLaren route.
Only you will know which you prefer once you've driven them both. They are very different in concept, one taking all the mass-production know-how from a global group and producing a staggering sports car which is the top of their range, the other being the 'bottom of the range' offering from an over-stretched low-volume manufacturer. Forget the statistics, they feel very different behind the 'wheel and that's where personal preference comes in. I went the McLaren route and over 3 years down the line, I've not regretted that for a second.
Then, factor in the running costs especially if you are pushing your budget. I'd be more happy to run an R8 outside the manufactures warranty than a 570s. The warranty on my car has just cost £2,980 to renew for 12 months and the last service was £657 (2017 car), expensive but it is total piece of mind and is a much more extensive warranty than most. I've seen different prices quoted for the R8 warranty including £3k per year on another R8 thread so if you want the same protection, check that price too.
Overall, both great cars if you buy a good example.
Only you will know which you prefer once you've driven them both. They are very different in concept, one taking all the mass-production know-how from a global group and producing a staggering sports car which is the top of their range, the other being the 'bottom of the range' offering from an over-stretched low-volume manufacturer. Forget the statistics, they feel very different behind the 'wheel and that's where personal preference comes in. I went the McLaren route and over 3 years down the line, I've not regretted that for a second.
Then, factor in the running costs especially if you are pushing your budget. I'd be more happy to run an R8 outside the manufactures warranty than a 570s. The warranty on my car has just cost £2,980 to renew for 12 months and the last service was £657 (2017 car), expensive but it is total piece of mind and is a much more extensive warranty than most. I've seen different prices quoted for the R8 warranty including £3k per year on another R8 thread so if you want the same protection, check that price too.
Overall, both great cars if you buy a good example.
Great subject, (just limiting it to the two)...personally, I don't get on with the exterior design of the Audi, and above all else it has to make me love just looking at at… so a 570 for me please.
By your set of 'needs' the Audi clearly smashes it..... and the noise it makes... easily one of the best.
By your set of 'needs' the Audi clearly smashes it..... and the noise it makes... easily one of the best.
Really good insights.
Perhaps I have overstated the noise factor...having had screaming N/A V8's, V10's in the past perhaps I am just referencing what I know I used to like Vs. opening my mind to the enjoyment from the other senses such as looking for that specialness in cabin feel, the want to turn around and give the car a second look, and driving engagement.
I have driven a McLaren and it blew my mind how good it was. However that was at fairly high speeds on empty dual carriageways and country roads, but have no idea whether it would give the same drama when moving slower (this is where a nice sounding engine at low RPM comes into play I guess). I haven't driven a Gen 2 R8 yet so perhaps that is the next step.
Perhaps I have overstated the noise factor...having had screaming N/A V8's, V10's in the past perhaps I am just referencing what I know I used to like Vs. opening my mind to the enjoyment from the other senses such as looking for that specialness in cabin feel, the want to turn around and give the car a second look, and driving engagement.
I have driven a McLaren and it blew my mind how good it was. However that was at fairly high speeds on empty dual carriageways and country roads, but have no idea whether it would give the same drama when moving slower (this is where a nice sounding engine at low RPM comes into play I guess). I haven't driven a Gen 2 R8 yet so perhaps that is the next step.
neverlifted said:
Awesome choices and interesting thoughts. Been pondering between: R8, V12VS, 570S, 650S. At the moment- I'm edging towards V12VS for the V12 or 650S for the Ronspeak and dynamics.
In an ideal world I prob would have kept the V12VS along with the McLaren as they are v diff cars and the Aston had a seriously good feel factor to ownership that elevated it above the R8 for me...dynamically it wasn't at the McLaren's level but it was a gloriously old school brute of a car.I'd still say the McLaren is pretty dam special when pootling through town at 30mph too - is an amazing place to sit, the full on supercar looks experience, lots of glances from passers by and when you catch a glimpse in a shop reflection etc.
Also, the way they ride and steer, even at normal speeds is still pretty special.
But then, the R8 also looks great, sounds great and will turn heads etc too - is a tough choice for sure but hopefully one an extended test drive or two will help you make! I had 2 decent test drives in my one before I bought it from McLaren Ascot, the first being about 40/45 minutes long and then the 2nd a week later for about 25 minutes - just to be sure I didn't have rose tinted glasses on the first time round!
Also, the way they ride and steer, even at normal speeds is still pretty special.
But then, the R8 also looks great, sounds great and will turn heads etc too - is a tough choice for sure but hopefully one an extended test drive or two will help you make! I had 2 decent test drives in my one before I bought it from McLaren Ascot, the first being about 40/45 minutes long and then the 2nd a week later for about 25 minutes - just to be sure I didn't have rose tinted glasses on the first time round!
cayman-black said:
as a completely different view and from reading on here from owners and non-owners i would choose the Audi , the Mclaren has way to many negative feedbacks for me anyway, whereas the Audis seem all positive. Also they seem to sell well.
Yep, McLaren gets lots of negative feedback. Especially on here, and almost exclusively from people who've never owned one.davek_964 said:
cayman-black said:
as a completely different view and from reading on here from owners and non-owners i would choose the Audi , the Mclaren has way to many negative feedbacks for me anyway, whereas the Audis seem all positive. Also they seem to sell well.
Yep, McLaren gets lots of negative feedback. Especially on here, and almost exclusively from people who've never owned one.
doors, rust, multiple sensors.... when there is so much buzz on the internet its hard not to feel they're bad...and then a friend experiences the same..
RSbandit said:
In an ideal world I prob would have kept the V12VS along with the McLaren as they are v diff cars and the Aston had a seriously good feel factor to ownership that elevated it above the R8 for me...dynamically it wasn't at the McLaren's level but it was a gloriously old school brute of a car.
Thank you for your thoughts, sounds like you enjoyed them all very much. I get the impression the V12VS might be more appealing in everyday use with its NA V12 at lower speeds. Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff