I know they are very different cars, but would you prefer a BMW i8 or a lightly used, manual Audi R8 V10 coupe? It would be for short-term (1-2 yr) ownership and fitted for winter tires for all-season use. I know a fair bit about the R8 but not much at all about the i8 other than it's eye-popping (to me, at least). Here's my breakdown and would be interested in overall opinions on what way to go:
Looks: i8 - they both look good to me, but i8 is next level with the doors and styling. The R8 is a bit dated but still has the exotic feel. But on occasion and from certain angles looks like a giant TT.
Performance: R8 - actually I haven't compared the specs in detail but I think R8 should have the clear edge.
Uniqueness/Wow Factor: i8 - still fresh and uncommon. I know some don't care about this, but it's one of the reasons I like NSX >>>> Vette/Porsche
Fun Factor: R8 - gated-shifter, V10 should be an NSX-type feel only with more power and modernity. Might be the last of the fun analog cars.
Cost: R8 - I'm finding lightly used R8s to be fairly cheaper than available i8s
Usability: i8 - rear seats would allow cruising with little kids
Winter Use - ? Currently using RWD E46 and with snow tires it's a boss. I'm assuming both should be at least as good as they are AWD. I know they're low and it might be blasphemous, but I don't mind using the car as a snowplow (not keeping forever)
Third option of course, would be to just hold pat for the Gen 2 NSX but it seems like it may be out of price range, and limited availability may make obtaining one a non-starter. Have waited long enough anyways and can always be gotten in Year 2 or 3.
Looks: i8 - they both look good to me, but i8 is next level with the doors and styling. The R8 is a bit dated but still has the exotic feel. But on occasion and from certain angles looks like a giant TT.
Performance: R8 - actually I haven't compared the specs in detail but I think R8 should have the clear edge.
Uniqueness/Wow Factor: i8 - still fresh and uncommon. I know some don't care about this, but it's one of the reasons I like NSX >>>> Vette/Porsche
Fun Factor: R8 - gated-shifter, V10 should be an NSX-type feel only with more power and modernity. Might be the last of the fun analog cars.
Cost: R8 - I'm finding lightly used R8s to be fairly cheaper than available i8s
Usability: i8 - rear seats would allow cruising with little kids
Winter Use - ? Currently using RWD E46 and with snow tires it's a boss. I'm assuming both should be at least as good as they are AWD. I know they're low and it might be blasphemous, but I don't mind using the car as a snowplow (not keeping forever)
Third option of course, would be to just hold pat for the Gen 2 NSX but it seems like it may be out of price range, and limited availability may make obtaining one a non-starter. Have waited long enough anyways and can always be gotten in Year 2 or 3.
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