phonetics

hey guys.. i have searched through the forum and can't find much information about R8.... i have had my SL55 for a couple years now.... for my next car, what do you guys think? R8 or SL63? i can buy them at more or less the same price..

my concern of 63 is it can be very similar to my 55 and i feel it's kind of a waste not to be surprised by spending this kinda money... also, it's just a facelift and the next gen SL might come out in 2 years.. in this aspect, the R8 style could last a bit longer i believe.. on the other hand, i am concerning about the quality, performance and usability of R8 since it's somehow the first high end sport car they have built... and my SL has been a great daily driver... not sure if R8 could be the same too..

i have not test driven both vehicles and i have not seen the 63 in person yet..

please try to limit the advices on these 2 cars only.... instead of suggesting me to get a used SL65 or brand new c63 or whatever... thanks A LOT !!

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

If you're concerned about Audi quality over Benz, you should stop right there and really check yourself. I've seen SL55's absolutely fall apart. Audi has by far the best fit and finish of the Germans, the R8 is an amazing ride and you should really go for it.

speed6

I would think it would depend alot on whether you want a convertible or not because the R8 is not a convertible.

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

Something tells me he's already factored that in.

phonetics

yes, you are correct. i thought convertible was a big deal... but in fact it's not...

mark anderson

I was considering replacing my SL55 with the R8 but I refuse to pay the huge premium they are demanding here. From all my research it looks like a good replacement and a car that could be a daily driver. Letr us know if you get one and your impressions.

jmf003

Given how you describe your interests, either R8 or wait for the next generation SL to make a decision. SL63 won't be enough of a change over your SL55 and it has the extra weight associated with being a convertible.

speed6

Keep the SL55 and wait for the "huge premium" to come off the R8 because it will just like the 2003 SL's did and the SL63 and ZR1 will etc.

WSH

Have briefly test-driven both R8 and SL63 030; IMO, SL63 030 is one of world's 2-3 best driver's cars today if considering overall perf/precision/safety/daily-useability

IMO, R8 is a rather weak commuter car....effectively zero useable tq; Luddite gearboxes (Audi's ?R-Tronic is a joke in terms of smoothness/speed); dubious fuel tank crashworthiness (a risk w/nearly all mid-engine cars except those of P); small trunk; don't know off-hand how big is fuel tank (commuting range); lack of safety/comfort features like TeleAid/ventil/massaging seats...

Perf basis....was rather underwhelmed by R8's steering precision, brake pedal feel and effeminate exhaust note....as well as its weak tq/archaic gearboxes...

phonetics

hey guys.... after doing some thinking and research (including seeing R8 in person) and having advices from u guys and other people.... i think i ll stick to my 55... it's a benz after all... i am not ready to let it go and downgrade to audi yet.... most importantly.. i thnk i ll regret to give up such perfect machine for just a few weeks of excitement with r8 for its fresh styling..

W211 BEAST

I dont agree with what you said about the Audi being a DOWNGRADE, but I'm not a fan of the R8 at those prices.

Addicted2Speed

R8 is just a cheap entry-level version of the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, so why not get the real thing?

blazinginder

...reviving a thread from the dead, but are these things (R8's) really leasing for around $3k/month on a $0 down 12k year 36month lease??

photonut

at the detroit auto show, audi introduced the new high output V-10 engine for the R8. with this motor, i think the R8 would be a much more fun ride.
http://jalopnik.com/5128856/audi-r8-...-detroit-debut
the R8 spider is coming out in less than one year, unfortunately only with the V-8. it will lack the side "wings". in the end, get what you like!! the R8 will probably hold its value better because there are fewer of them aound.