I think they're gorgeous. I just don't think I could live with the sub-par acceleration.

 

It's a very 'sexy' ride (R8), and I drove one before I bought the turbo. We have an Audi in the family, and they make great cars. I did not find the R8, though exciting to drive, to be the car I'd want to be in as much as the turbo. But to each his own - if the R8 trips your trigger, more power to you. It is a real looker. But I love the turbo, every day.

 

Looks only go so far. I guarantee you'll come back to Porsche.

 

I love the R8 and would like to get one eventually. It is like the NSX of 2010 and I always loved that car.

I think if you can comfortably purchase one, then go for it. The 911 is not going anywhere and you can always get one again ...

I am a person who likes variety so if the new car itch came up and I already had a 911 (I do so I guess this applies to me) I would want something different as my next car and the R8 is not only different but is incredible looking.

One other thing ... that 8 cylinder engine must sound beautiful !!

I am sure it drives amazing too ... come on it's an audi and they are great cars !!

 

I was at the Audi dealership a week ago. Word is they are only producing the V10 Spyder and sending them to dealerships. If you want a V-10 or V-8 coupe, you have to order one. Audi has ratcheted-back it's dealer stock policy from a few years ago. The A6 is now the inventory queen of the dealer lots (ours had 6-8 of these on the lot); and while the new A8 and A8L is the flagship sedan of the Company, you have to order one unless you get a demo that has accomplished it's mandated "showing cycle term" to draw in customers. The dealerships are not stocking ANY A8's anymore other than the demos they are allotted (one each A8 and A8L at best), and the R8's are pretty slim and they are all the Spyders. This seems to be the latest policy from Audi headquarters.

Though I agree the R8 is beautiful (especially the Spyder, imho), I don't think it has what it takes to hold a Porsche-lover's attention-span over the long-term.

 

Since you buy cars based on looks mostly, I think you'll like the R8 more.

Personally, I think it's an Audi which is just fine. I rather have a 997S or 997GTS any day. Its a more reliable car that drives better.

 

Too many factors :
1) Base car is slow . Even the 5.2 faces a lot of competition at that price level.
2) Not crazy about the interior.
3) Gadgets ? -- i find a lot of Japanese cars offer more for a lot less . BMW is the best German gadget vehicle.
4) No space --which you need.
5) Novelty erodes . Impulse buying =emotional reasoning .
6) 150+K for the 5.2 -- at that price if it's not a Porsche .. it's got to be a Ferrari and given some of the quirks of the F car .. I'd pass .

Conclusion -- Maybe it took the Audi R8 to confirm that the Porsche is not "the one" for you .. but neither is the Audi (see list above) .
Maybe the best option is to sell the Porsche and save the money . In fact the next porsche is supposed to have a lot more of those gadget features and larger . It won't look cool like an R8 but compared to a 458 Italia the R8 isn't a beauty queen either.

 

Can't help myself from thinking, although that Audi is a hot model, that Audi is a step beneath PORSCHE and would not pay more for it. If anything, I would upgrade my P car model, if I was so inclined. Anybody else feel this way???

 

The cars have different characters and will appeal to different owners and sensibilities. The R8 is the everyday exotic. It's for guys who loves Lamborghinis but want a comfortable car that's elegant and still flies more under the radar than a big orange Gallardo.

The spyders don't appeal to me at all however. I don't like convertibles as much in general, but I think the lines of the car are ruined with this version. The sideblade is one of the nice unique touches that makes the R8 what it is.

 

It's all about branding. Audi has a good niche for themselves in this price range ... and an R8 is much more unique than a 911 on the road. Good car for someone who has to have something different without stepping into the Ferrari marque.

 

I forgot to mention that when I started this thread I hadn't seen/driven my porsche for 7 days. After a nice drive yesterday the R8 is completely out of my thoughts. Well not completely but I am at least content with the idea that it is not the car for me. Maybe one day when I have a 4 car garage but at that point I am sure I would go for something better.

There is something strange about my porsche though. I cant stop thinking about it! When I am not driving it I am on the forums. I have never felt this way about any other car that I have owned. Yet when I don't get to see it for a long time I start to think about it's shortcomings. Like the front should have a lip, the back should have the RS style bumper and a wing. LED tail lights, a hard top etc... all which could be added after market. Then when I see it again I have this huge grin and cant wait to start driving it. I am completely content with it until the next separation. Is this what you guys call the Mod Bug?

 

car looks and drives great, although the v8 really is a dog for the price tag...if the acceleration does not bother you and you can justify the price difference, go for it

 

+1. No slam against Audi. It's just not a Porsche.

 

I love the R8... but IMO, it should have been priced at $90K plus options for v8 coupe.

 

I think it's a cool looking, new car and certainly grabs more attention from all types of people than 911s. I don't know how they will hold value over time and at the price (a loaded R8), I probably would buy something else.