I like keeping my "event" cars actual events. DD something kills the exotic in just about everything speaking for myself. I have a Cayenne S I dd. If I had to choose btw a 911 or a v10 audi to DD I'll take the 911 10.10 times. My r8 is a spyder and I just don't see myself being able to knock out long stretches on the hwy. I guess also I ignore mpg, but if you DD you'll be filling up a couple times a week.

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I get the "event" concept, but I'm going to get an r8 and I'll drive it a good bit. just trying to decide v8 or V10.

not really concerned at all with gas mileage. Last DD was an ML63, averaged 12-13 mpg. put about 20K/year on that. we got a Maserati Grand Turismo in Feb and have about 5K on it so far.

we had a Cayman S that we put 70K mi on - nice car, but too cramped inside. I honestly expected to replace the Cayman with a 911 Turbo, but honestly the road noise and ride was not nearly as nice as the R8. So decided to go that way, just trying to decide which one.

 

v10 all the way... I've had my 2012 for 6 trouble free (knock on wood) months. A good friend who just special ordered his 991 S drove my car this weekend and was blown away, and then saddened, by the fact he paid more and felt the R8 was better in every category minus rear seats (duh).

The 5.2L v10 is a second generation motor (revised from the Lambo 5.0L V10) and it benefits from direct fuel injection (upping fuel economy 15%), larger displacement, increase in torque... and a bunch of other small details I forgot. Its a bulletproof motor and the single reason I did't recently trade the car for a 2008 G Spider...

Drivability is almost laughably good... the engine is not "peaky" or "jumpy" and the generous torque makes it easy to cruise around effortlessly. However, don't confuse it for a GTR. Despite the AWD you can get is sideways easily should you desire.

Good luck.

 

The V10's are MY 2010+ so you'd be looking at '10 - '11 (versus '09 - '11 stated).

The V10 is a more exotic engine, so I expect that will have some effect on costs - even if repair/maintenance needs were equivalent. The 4.2 V8 was used in the Q7 and RS4, as well, albeit with some significant modifications (such as wet-sump versus R8's dry-sump, different crankcases, etc.). The 5.2 V10 is used in the R8, Gallardo, and now Huracan. I'm not mechanically inclined enough to understand the details, but if you were so inclined you could really dig into the specs of both engines online... although, I'm not sure what it might tell you, if anything, about future reliability or associated costs.

So, all the mechanical stuff aside, I'd probably say that equivalent needs (if they existed) would cost you more on the V10... for no other reason than it's a more up-market product, and I'd expect the parts/pricing to follow suit... as sad as it is to say, since that's a shallow reason but alas true to form for most brands.

Right now these cars are pretty "young" and most don't have any significant mileage on them. So, if you hear people say, "they're bulletproof" I'd put that in perspective. Some of them may have higher mileage, but I'd guess that most V10's (again 2010+) out there don't have anywhere near 50k miles on them... most probably not even half of that mileage as they're typically not DDs.

I'd say if you're going to DD an R8, and if you're concerned about running costs in the slightest, I'd probably air on the side of the V8, which seems to have a more mainstream application (Q7/RS4) over the V10 - even if there's no substantial evidence to suggest that the V10 would cost you more, at the very least you'd save on gas.

 

The V10 offers the exotic sound that I couldn't do without when the top is down. It was either a V10 or bust for me

On an R8 being a DD, so many reason why I personally would not have an R8 as a DD.

First, A supercar shouldn’t be a DD but that’s just me. If I wasn’t so fortunate to have an A8 as a DD, I honestly would go and buy a Pre-owned Prius at Carmax as a DD and salvage the R8 for the days I am off work.

2nd, another car as a DD also keeps life spontaneous, especially me because I adapt to things quickly. Although my A8 is a nice car in its own right, the R8 and A8 are at the opposite ends of the spectrum and that offers a very nice change of pace. 5 years ago I had a similar change of pace with a corvette and an LS460. Today its an A8 and an R8

Finally, my Red R8 Spyder draws an incredible amount of attention. There are places that I wouldn’t take my R8 to, places that I took my corvette to constantly when I owned my Corvette. I even feel a bit uncomfortable sometimes with the attention in the R8 (although I am trying to get use to it). The comments I receive when pulling into a gas station, the looks I get when I am a red light – all quite flattering but not easily digestible for me. The darker side invites the azzhats who rev their engines when they see your car. All this comes with the R8 Territory and its something you have to get use. I don’t think I could deal with that on a daily basis. Once or twice a week is tough enough

 

great input. let me address one thing because the concept of using the R8 as a DD is throwing focus on something that won't be an issue for me. when I talked of using the R8 as a DD, I was really asking how would it be to drive the V10 a lot. not just sundays, but many days. Will it be my only car, no. we've got the Grand Turismo and an SUV. so the commentary about going places and not wanting to take it there, I completely get that and would take the SUV. I work from home, so there's no long commute. on days when I need to be in the car a lot I'd take the SUV, but generally I'm running to two or three places separated a half hour a piece, this would be good R8 days. with usage like that, would the V10 be a good companion for about 10K miles a year?

MArk_nimda- thanks for your comments about the gas station attention, etc. I get that. The Grand Turismo is still fairly new to us and I'm still amazed at the level of attention it generates at gas stations, etc.

as for maint cost - is there anything about maintaining the V10 that would stand out making it more expensive in comparison to the V8. I know it does not have any of the old school issues like valves that need to be gapped every 5K, multiple carbs that need to be tuned or belt driven cams. I remember early 70's mustangs big blocks needed to have the motor pulled to get the spark plugs out. that would be something I would have wanted to know before I bought that car. so with the V10, are there any surprising routine maint items/costs or is it basically the same as most modern cars in terms of it's maintenance requests (generally oil changes, maybe heavy service around 60K, timing chain tensioner, etc)

 

as for maint cost - is there anything about maintaining the V10 that would stand out making it more expensive in comparison to the V8. I know it does not have any of the old school issues like valves that need to be gapped every 5K, multiple carbs that need to be tuned or belt driven cams. I remember early 70's mustangs big blocks needed to have the motor pulled to get the spark plugs out. that would be something I would have wanted to know before I bought that car. so with the V10, are there any surprising routine maint items/costs or is it basically the same as most modern cars in terms of it's maintenance requests (generally oil changes, maybe heavy service around 60K, timing chain tensioner, etc)

I am no mechanic, but I would say no! I have had my 2010 V10 for close to 2 years now and the only service it has needed was an oil change and they replaced a wheel bearing under warranty. Other then that, this cars really are pretty solid. Besides the engine and obvious cosmetic parts, the V8 and V10 share many of their components. And the ones they don't share, I don't imagine would be significantly more expensive on a V10 vs a V8. I would highly recommend getting an extended warranty because you are obviously concerned about these additional costs (and so you should be) and having that extended warranty will alleviate all the risk/worry and will make for some happy motoring days ahead.

 

I've never seen data pointing to a major difference in maintenance costs between the R8's V8 and V10 engine, so I'm keen to hear where people are coming up with that.

 

That makes 2 of us...small example but I believe oil changes cost about the same for the two engines.

 

Ohh and to touch base on the DD point. That is a personal call and since you do work from home, it may work better for you then some others here. Not to mention you say you have 2 other cars...so the R8 isn't really your DD at that point.

For me..personally..like others have mentioned, if I daily drive ANY car (doesn't matter if its an R8 or an Aventador) I will get used to it and eventually get bored of it, it looses the fun part when you drive it everyday, everywhere. The excitement goes away and it becomes boring. Where as, by only driving it a couple times per week, EVERYTIME I get into my R8, I get excited to drive it and it really feels like an event when I drive it!

 

if I daily drive ANY car (doesn't matter if its an R8 or an Aventador) I will get used to it and eventually get bored of it, it looses the fun part when you drive it everyday, everywhere. The excitement goes away and it becomes boring.

I wonder if this concept relates to wives?

Seriously though ... There is a reason that the R8 V8 or 10 has been dubbed the Everyday Supercar. The car is rock solid. When I take my car out ... I never worry about it breaking down. 2yrs of ownership and the only part that has failed was a A/C compressor (replaced under warranty). If I had a choice ... I would DD mine all the time, but: 1. my commute is too long. 2. I don't like to have my patients and staff see me in the R8. 3. The landscapers and parking lot cleaners are somewhat abusive around the parked cars. The only maintenance item thT worry me is the mag shocks. So far ...so good.

 

I actually attempted to have the R8 as my only car for a little while, but gave up on that. There are just situations and places where I don't want to take the R8 to. I do take the R8 to work sometimes though. Like slammedr8 said, it's exciting to get into it every time since you don't drive it everyday.

 

Slammedr8 - good input. thanks, that is what I was looking for. you've had it 2 years and basically it's required normal maint. that any other car would require (oil changes, brake fluid flush, filters, etc.). my expectation was that it was essentially the same as the v8, or any other car, but I did not want to assume that.

I really appreciate all the input from those on the thread. I think it confirmed my expectations. My take away is as follows:

Driveability - The V10 is just as drivable as the V8, just with more power. it's not a temperamental motor with a narrow torque band that looks good on paper, but is rough to deal with in normal life. it's not like the cars that put up great numbers and are great for the track, but really should not be put in daily driver situations/traffic etc.

Maintenance - the V10 requires the same maintenance as any other motor. It's exotic, but it does not require any unique, or expensive, maintenance rituals that some other exotic motors do. and to ezmaass's point, this is the best info we have to date, but since most people don't have many miles on theirs, we don't really know what's going to happen when the cars start hitting 60, 70 or 80K miles.

 

Your welcome!

Yes, your take is pretty accurate! Again, even if there is a minimal difference, we may be talking hundreds per year, but not thousands. With regards to fuel consumption, the V8 is still a gaz guzzler in its own. I would say that depending on your driving habits (how aggressive you are), you may find the V8 to be similar to the V10 only because if you have a heavy foot, you might find yourself pushing the V8 a little harder to get all the power out of it while the V10 doesn't need as much of a heavy foot to get it moving. That is something to think about too if you are concerned or thinking about fuel consumption/mileage.

 

Hi,

I am loving the v10 s-tronic. Torque is impressive from very low rpm. When I collected the car and drove the 80miles back home I averaged 32mpg

Since then more like 20~25 mpg. I used to have an RS4 cab and only remember that doing similar to this.

Go for the V10

 

That's imperial gallons though I get about 12 mpg US just scooting around town

 

thanks for the additional feedback. not worried about fuel economy at all. as I mentioned, my daily driver for the last few years was an ML63. that got 12-13.

 

Just a piece of information from my research on the same subject, as I'm also in the same position as CRE8FUN. Debating between a V8 vs a V10 as a daily driver.

This is what I found so far for the ones that care:


Fuel economy (city/highway/combined)

V8 Manual: 11/20/14
V8 S-tronic: 14/23/17
V10 Manual: 12/19/14
V10 S-tronic: 13/22/16

So the difference in fuel economy is more substantial by choosing the S-tronic than by choosing the V8.


Oil Changes

The V8 uses 10.6 qts of oil, while the V10 uses 8.8 of qts. Yes, I was surprised to see the V10 requires less oil than the V8. Wonder why, but this translates to a $30 savings per oil change.

This may not be substantial for people who can afford an R8, but it helps me rationalize why I would spend more money for the V10


Parts

If you plan to keep the car long-term, and out of warranty (like I do), this is something you NEED to know if you ever need to replace the drivetrain due to major failures:

V8
Manual transmission: $10,000
S-tronic: $21,000
Engine: $22,000

V10
Manual transmission: $14,000
S-tronic: $21,000
Engine: $39,000

These are just the parts, without labor.


Hope this helps

 

I think what we have here is a local maxima... and no, not a Nissan, but mathematically speaking.

The sample data (existing cars that are relatively young, much fewer miles, etc) just isn't sufficient to make any firm claims. The operating costs people are seeing here are subject to a number of limiting factors that won't be true for someone who puts 50k, 60k, or 70k miles on one of these over the next few years, and we'll see a whole new set of characteristics emerge for maintenance costs. To the point above, the crate cost of the V10 alone is nearly twice that of the V8... so you're pretty well assured that, as parts start going, repair costs will be more on the V10... if only for parts, but something tells me the labor will mysteriously end up more expensive, too.

If it's going to matter in any significant way, I'd say the V8 is likely a safer bet to have lower long-term costs if you really rack up significant mileage. But if the financial aspect is just a fleeting concern, I'd go with the V10 as I think it makes the experience much more exotic/unique.

 

Random Gas Station Dude: "The V10, huh? What kind of mileage you get with that thing?"

Me: "I don't know, and it doesn't matter. <big grin indicating the fun vastly outweighs the fuel cost>"

 

My R8 is a daily driver, as the OP knows (he's been in it). As far as not taking it some places, and/or worrying about damage, I must be in the minority. I take it everywhere, I had snow tires on it all winter, and I don't park on the far side of the parking lot. I bought the car to enjoy it, so I do. It's been in downtown Baltimore, DC, and NY. Both my 22 year old, and my 20 year old have driven it, most of my friends have too. When the OP came up to me at a local cars and coffee a few weeks ago, I told him he could drive it if he wants to see what it was like. It has chips in the hood, and chips in the windshield, and I love every one. The OP is like me, he will drive the car, and drive it hard. He is not wondering about weather or not he should actually use his car, he is wondering if the V10 will bite him if he beats on it.

 

^ thank you.

Buy the car, drive the car. This talk of saving cars for special occasions makes me want to throw up.

The v10 will cost you very little, if it's under warranty. If it's not, it's still pretty bulletproof. But I like warranty.