Audi R8: V8 vs V10
The Audi R8 is a special breed of supercar. Designed by Germans, built on the platform of the legendary modern classic, the Lamborghini Gallardo, it was always going to be something special. It’s remarkably cheaper than a Lambo too, with the V8 version coming in at $115,000, compared to the Gallardo’s successor, the Huracan, at just under $242,000. The marque doesn’t have the same prestige, but when you’re driving the R8, that will be the last thing on your mind.
If you’re looking for an Audi R8 for sale, you have a few choices – the most important, if you’re petrolheads like us, is going to be the engine. The R8 comes in both V8 and V10 flavors, with the V10 boasting an extra litre of displacement over its smaller cousin, but the V8 is far from a slouch, blasting its lightweight frame from 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds, and continuing up to 188 mph.
In a drag race, the V10 will leave its cheaper cousin behind quickly, however, with the V10 coupe reaching 60 in just 3.9 seconds, and the lighter, more powerful V10 plus hitting that in just 3.8 seconds. The V8 boasts a usability not normally found in supercars – it’s an easy drive, almost subdued. Even when you decide to put the hammer down, you don’t really feel like you’re in a supercar of its caliber.
This is not something that happens with the V10. The minute you decide that, right now, you need to go fast in the V10, trust me – you’ll go. The V10 will push you forward like you’re trying to escape the hounds of hell, and force you back into your seat like they’re baring their teeth in your face. Listening to the engine, you could swear they’re under the hood, too, with the V10 issuing a bark upon a downshift that’ll frighten passers-by.
The V8 is a fantastic driver’s car, make no mistake, and will give you plenty of rewards, whereas the V10 doesn’t give a damn about giving you anything. You get behind the wheel, it’s going to do what comes naturally – go like hell.
The V8’s relaxed drive is also its downfall – it sometimes doesn’t feel like a true supercar, as good as it is. It’s a joy to cruise in, and for some, this will attract them even more, but if you truly want a supercar, and want to compete with the big boys of its class, you’re going to want the V10. Its raucous power and ferocious acceleration will leave you with a grin, while leaving other drivers in the dust.
Related Audi R8 Stories:
