McGG

I cant decide between these two!

- An s-tronic Gen1 R8 and a new 2017 GTS are similar prices here in Canada
- I won't be daily driving, but will use it around town as much as possible,
- Want to do weekend trips to the mountains (2-4 hour away locations) with the wife

Comments on each:

R8:

- used, so depreciation might be a bit less as it is further down the curve
- looks more "exotic", which adds to the drama/appeal of the car
- proven platform
- mid-engine hanlding might be a touch "sharper"
- mag ride gives it slightly better GT performance
- nice, but ancient interior


GTS:

- new which is nice
- warranty period is longer
- nobody except car people know what a GTS is. everyone knows an R8
- stock sound is amazing
- a bit more room for luggage
- less "exotic" in terms of appearance with the engine up front
- more attractive overall design compared with the R8 (IMO).
- Can't be converted to a comfortable GT cruiser like the R8 with the mag suspension.


Both options are great, really. Anybody have any thoughts?

DriveAMG

Gen 1 r8 has a crappy transmission. And warranty is probably finished. My GTS rides superb as a
daily. In comfort it rides very nice and sport plus is great as well...

okbarnett

I never liked R8s , too stubby
a GTS is alot more user friendly and updated and not to mention, a better sports car

mvb3

R8 has been around for 11 years, the looks are a bit outdated, there's only so much you can rescue with a facelift.

Jim Brady

R8's look too much like an Audi TT so any resemblense to an exotic is is only hype. It will not be mistaken by anyone for other than an Audi. Gen 1 Mid engine doesn't make this a track star. A gt-s will be easier to drive fast than the R8 if your track inclined.
All wheel drive is an advantage if you plan on driving in foul weather. Lots a guys flipped gen 1 with the crappy transmission not the manual.
Jimmy

Slammed63

Having owned an R8 V10 (2010, which is pre facelift) and I seriously considered the GTS afterwards. I think the R8 is a totally different car. I agree with most of what was said above (except the TT comment, that's like saying a GTS sucks coz it looks like a B class).

I'm a huge fan of the GTS, I will likely own one in the next couple years (hopefully a GTC).
The R8 is a phenomenal car, it can be used as a daily driver (although I wouldn't/didn't)
Also, depreciation wise. I don't think a car of that caliber has had less deprecation. I bought my 2010 R8 V10 (white on red, with every single option, 6 speed manual) back in 2013 for 120k. That car still sells for $120k here in Canada. I mean it hasn't depreciated in what is almost 4 years now. That is crazy, in fact many of them are selling for closer to $130k.

WIth regards to the transmission, the 2008-2012 had the R Tronic (which is the single clutch). Those who own it, love it and swear by it but overall the reviews were never great on the R Tronic equipped cars. However, in 2014 Audi facelifted the R8 and gave it the new S Tronic transmission (which is a dual clutch) and that transmission is incredible. So if you are looking at a 2014/2015 model, the transmission will be awesome. I would steer clear of the older, single clutch known as the R Tronic.

McGG

Ya, I'm in Canada as well. My impression is that the total costof ownership of the GTS would be much higher than a 2010 - 2012 R18 V10. That depreciation curve has flattened. I think the 2014/15 still has room to move still. The GTS, even with the current discounts in Canada will still see much bigger depreciation.

The 2014/15 cars are still asking a big premium over the r-tronic pre-facelift ones. I've done a lot of research on the R8 as well.

Slammed63

Are you looking at a brand new 2017 GTS? If so, I'm not sure what discounts are being thrown around but if its not less than $20-$25k then its not even worth looking into (for me at least). You can pick up a well equipped, 2016 GTS in a desirable color for $130-$135 I believe (Canadian funds). Great bang for buck in my opinion.

Yes, the 2014+ facelift certainly commands a premium but relatively speaking, those pre facelift are pulling huge money. 2011 Spyders are pulling over $140k. They were pulling mid $140s back in 2014.

No one talks about it really, but the used car market is almost as messed up as the housing market here in Toronto.

McGG

You it's funny, I was thinking just that. I think the combination of people having "fake" home equity in Toronto, and then the low dollar allowing Americans to buy Canadian cars for cheap is making cars like R8s retain their used value. The smart play is to probably skip this driving season, and wait until the fall...when the housing correction is in full swing, and people are needing to dump their toys.

Vic55

So I owned a 2012 V10 R8 with the S tronic and while I endured the tranny I wouldnt say its remotely comparable to a DCT in regards to fluidity. The interior of the car is dated as well but the rest of the car was built like a rock and the V10 engine was a song of symphony (I had a GMG race exhaust on it) and the Magnetorheologicals felt much much better than the ones I have right now on the GTS. But as a daily driver Id rather have the current luxuries and day to day tq firepower that the GTS has as the Gen 1 really need an RPM push to get the juices going. It was a fast car but Id never want it for daily use, back then or now. I did, though, keep that car for a long time (for me) and it really was a value holder stateside whereas the GTS is a sunken cost waiting to happen.

But I just dont see the obsolete version of the R8 (in many technical aspects) as a car Id chose over the current GTS. These are both still 6 figure cars and depreciation while being a factor can't overule function. The GTS is the easier car to drive in daily situations IMHO and obviously more advanced given its shorter tooth life.

Slammed63

Your 2012 would have been an R tronic, not S Tronic as S tronic is the dual clutch version.

I also had a GMG exhaust on my V10 and I loved it. In fact, I still have it in my basement just waiting for my next R8 to put it on.

JB C63S

Understeer or oversteer?

Vic55

Yeah wrong consonant but the rest got it since I talked about how that tranny was LOL... I definitely know the difference just not the stupid letters at times

And forget AMG: GLA GLC GTS GTC GTR etc... hahaha

larrymz3

I'm moving from a Lamborghini Gallardo (which is essentially the same as the R8) to a 2016 AMG GTS Edition 1 and am excited about the technology and looks of my GTS.

SM1

The Audi R8 is a great looking car but such a boring interior just like all the other models. In my option buy a 2 year old GTS Edition 1 with low mileage from a main dealer, you get a 2 year AMG warranty job done. It one hell of a car and depreciation should be minimal. If you can find one with the dynamic package even better. Some people think it's a hard ride it is in race but in comfort it's no different from a car without it.

primecut

A slightly used GTS Ed.1 is a great value at the current price point, same price range as an S-tronic R8 v10. With that said, it might too optimistic to expect GTS depreciation to be minimal only after 2 years on the market, especially with both the GTC and the GTR coming out. IMO we are looking at the middle of a steady drop until it settles in 2-3 more years, whereas the R8 (Assuming 2014) is heading towards stability. From a not-losing-your-$$$ standpoint, the R8 seems more appealing, but we all know that's only 1 part of the equation or we will all be throwing our money at a GT/RS.

SM1

I do agree the GTS Edition 1 that is nearly 2 years old will still depreciate, however I think it will be far less than a standard GT of the same age, and because there is only 35 in the country it will be more desirable. Interestingly I was at the Mercedes centre yesterday for a track day, and I was talking to the pro drivers who had just finished filming the GTR on the road for a few day, they all said the car was fantastic but it in it's most comfortable setting it was like driving a GTS that was fitted with the dynamic pack in race mode, far too uncomfortable for normal UK roads! On the other hand they all loved the GTC, however for me I wouldn't want a convertible.


Going back to the original question go for the GTS but the spec in everything

Vic55

from solely a price perspective and not taking into effect regions, conditions, and options- MMR gives a good view from a 30,000 foot level. Clearly the 2 year GTS took its lumps in the last year but held strong for the first 9-11 months (2015 to Q1 of 2016) but with factory trunk money pushing new cars the used market just isnt there and its a great time for a buyer to find a 16 GTS but as primecut stated, there is more to come.

Conversely look at the MMR (again with the same qualifiers above) for the 2014 R8 V10 (non plus)... the car has already passed its steep depreciation curve and now is actually selling for more at the auction that the 16 GTS's are on average.

These are only value perspectives as for a daily driver and certain use/needs, the GTS to me is the better car with an advanced interior and modern electronics.

JCrim

I had a R8 V10 but sold it recently for a 2016 GTS. Couldn't be more happier with the change. The Audi was a great looking car but didn't feel as special as the AMG. My R10 was custom dyno tuned and had full exhaust so it was plenty quick and sounded the business. I'll be making similar upgrades to the AMG so I can't wait to see how it turns out!