rondelmar

I'm looking to buy a used R8 and not sure if I should get the V8 or the V10?? Which is more reliable in your opinion and is there a certain year that is better to buy.

My price range puts in a range from 2010 - 2013

Thanks in advance for all your comments and assistance.

superswiss

Reliability wise I would say they are probably about the same. The V8 is mostly the same engine as found in the B7 RS4 and I haven't heard of many engine troubles. The R8 has a dry sump vs the wet sump in the RS4, so driven hard, I would expect the R8 to hold up better due to the better lubrication. But the V8 is a first generation TFSI engine and is well known for carbon build up. The V10 is a later generation engine and also served as the basis for the re-engineered V8 in the RS5, which has several mitigating steps taken to minimize carbon build up. Since I'm daily driving an RS5 and occasionally driving a gen 2 R8 V10, I would ask you what kind of driving you plan to do. 450 HP is not really super car territory anymore, but it's about the sweet spot for a daily performance car. But if you truly want a super car experience, then go for the V10. That's a whole other level, but make sure you have the roads and opportunity to take advantage of the additional power. As the saying goes, it's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than it is to drive a fast car slow.

jschrauwen

I've never heard that adage before but it is apt.
I've read a few of your posts in other threads related to the R8 and I've found them very insightful. TY

morris39

@superswiss
"As the saying goes, it's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than it is to drive a fast car slow"
Very true. That impression really comes to life with motorcycling. Too much bike tends to overwhelm the fun.
Subjectively my S3 provides as much enjoyment as I can get from twisty mountain roads. My limit is reaction time on blind corners with narrow shoulders. More power would only result in faster bake wear.