Audi R8: V8 vs V10

When Audi unveiled the R8 in 2006, it redefined the everyday supercar. With its mid-engine layout, Quattro all-wheel drive, and sharp design, it offered exotic-level thrills with the refinement of a German grand tourer. But one debate has followed the R8 since its debut: should you go for the V8 or the V10?

Both engines bring their own character, performance, and appeal. Here’s how they stack up.

The V8: Balanced, Accessible, and Classic

The original Audi R8 came with a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing around 420 hp. Shared with the RS4 of the same era, it’s a high-revving engine that delivers a sharp bark at full throttle and a linear powerband that rewards spirited driving.

• Performance: 0–60 mph in about 4.4 seconds, top speed near 187 mph.

• Driving Experience: Lighter up front than the V10, giving it slightly sharper handling and a more “tossable” feel on tight roads.

• Ownership Appeal: Lower entry price on the used market, plus simpler servicing compared to the more complex V10.

The V8 R8 embodies the idea of an everyday exotic — a car that feels special without being intimidating.

The V10: Exotic Thrills and Supercar Credentials

In 2009, Audi introduced the Lamborghini-derived 5.2-liter V10. With output ranging from 525 hp in early models to 602 hp in the latest R8 Performance, the V10 turned the R8 into a true rival to Ferrari and McLaren.

• Performance: 0–60 mph in just 3.2 seconds (later models), top speeds over 200 mph.

• Driving Experience: The V10 revs to over 8,000 rpm with a spine-tingling howl, delivering the kind of drama you’d expect from a supercar with Italian DNA.

• Ownership Appeal: Commands higher resale values and is seen as the “must-have” engine for collectors, especially in manual-transmission variants.

If the V8 is about balance, the V10 is about excess — speed, sound, and presence.

Practical Considerations

• Price: V8 models are more affordable in today’s market, often starting under $80,000, while clean V10s easily surpass six figures.

• Maintenance: Both engines are reliable with proper care, but the V10 has higher servicing costs and fuel consumption.

• Future Value: Collectors lean toward the V10, especially manual versions, which are already appreciating. The V8 remains a relative bargain for those who want R8 style and performance without the steep price.

Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

• Pick the V8 if you want a more accessible, balanced, and affordable way into R8 ownership. It’s still fast, still exotic, and arguably the purist’s choice for handling.

• Pick the V10 if you crave the full supercar experience — screaming high-rev power, jaw-dropping acceleration, and the knowledge that you’re driving a car with Lamborghini DNA.

Both are icons, but the V10 edges out as the ultimate evolution of the R8. Still, the V8 deserves respect as the car that proved Audi could build a true everyday supercar.