Looking into an R8

[Luvgoinfast]

Hey guys I been thinking of taking the plunge into an R8 this summer. I pay of my current toy this year so figured why not lol. I was wondering what are some pros and cons on each one? I looked on the web site and see you can build a 8 or 10 cylinder. Right not I have a 06 Viper for my main toy so I love speed. I just wondering how does the 8 compare or should I just splurge lol?

[SDR8]

The R8 is not going to be the fastest car out there, but is very balanced and fun to drive. The normal V8 has a decent amount of power for most driving, but can feel a bit lacking at times. The V8 does take a bit more finesse and picking the right gear to perform than the V10. If you are not happy with the normal car, you can always add a twin turbo or supercharger kit. If you want the most, you can go for a V10 and add the boost.

I would highly recommend driving one and see if you like it. A great way to get a feel for the car is to do the Audi Sportscar Experience in Sonoma, CA. They offer a one or two day class in the R8. You can find a lot of reviews of this class on these forums. Take a long look at these forums, there is a lot of great info shared here.

[Jeff]

I suspect that, compared with a Viper, a V8 R8 will seem a bit lacking in thrust. The V10 should be on par with the Viper. Either will handle so much better though.

[R8Spyderman]

Definitely the V10 and definitely the Manual transmission.

[TonyT]

Definitely the V10 and definitely the Manual transmission.

x2, the R-Tronic is a great transmission, but the 6-Speed adds a touch of fun to shifting through gears and the "click."

[Luvgoinfast]

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like the V10 will be the way to go. I love the looks of the cars any ways so the extra pep would just be icing on the cake. Is there much difference as far as aftermarket for either one?

[moldowan]

funny! i just traded my 2004 viper for my 2011 v10 R8 lucgoinfast!
i drove the v8 in r-tronic form and it was not what i was looking for! the v8 is a great engine but the tranny sucked! coming from a 505hp viper like we did the v10 IS the only way to go I think. my v10 R8 is MUCH faster than the viper was as well. I just tracked my car for the 1st time last tuesday and although the 4 wheel drive was a little different feel that the rwd viper it sticked like glue and was much more confidence inspiring tht the viper IMO. Also the car is so so much more comfortable with tons better visability that the viper as well.... don't even look back my friend... that is until 2012 when the new 700hp snake arrives-LOL

[RS4Cab]

don't even look back my friend... that is until 2012 when the new 700hp snake arrives-LOL

Just supercharge your V10 and have 700+hp in a car that is much better to drive than viper

[Luvgoinfast]

Sweet Moldowan thanks for the info and the comparison. The wife and I agreed that I can keep the Viper if I get a used R8 because of the down payment part. If I traded in the Viper I would get a new one but I really like it and it was my first big car purchase lol.

[moldowan]

Just supercharge your V10 and have 700+hp in a car that is much better to drive than viper

the r8 is a better car, drives nicer more comfortable etc... but truth be told i miss my viper, i should have kept it as well.
on the street the r8 wins-no comparison. On the track i miss the RWD of the viper, it is raw, wild and fun!
two very different classes of cars but both have their good points and bad respectively.
supercharging a v10 is all of 50k... is it worth it? dunno, my track is a 1.8 mile in san marcos, Tx and 700 hp would be unuseable IMO. Plus 50k buys you a gen3 viper!!! or a z06 etc.....