R8 V10 vs F430, prices are level! Now what?

For $130k, give or take, you can now get either of these cars with 10-15k miles or less...what are thoughts on these two as competitors? I think 430 depreciation is close to 'over,' not so much with the R8...

I realize this has been beat to death, but typically comparing the R8 V8, not the V10.

 

Compared to the Ferrari, the Audi has no soul. It's a practical daily driver. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's gorgeous, fast, handles well, and you'll love it. But it's not a Ferrari. The Ferrari you will fall in love with. The sound alone is intoxicating. It instills so much confidence in all driving situations. At this point, I expect their depreciation to be similar, and the Ferrari will likely cost more to maintain. As a weekend warrior, Ferrari all day long. As a daily driver, the Audi is probably the way to go.

 

The R8 is a sweet car... But it's not a Ferrari, and the fully depreciated value will reflect this. I spent the last 2 weeks in a A4. No soul. Competent, German car but no soul as described above.

 

audi vs ferrari. if you aren't sure what to buy just get the audi. ferrari people know they what they want.

 

i rented a v10 r8 spyder over the weekend , had an ecu flash and tubi exhaust . fun fast car , but the tranny was boring , rather drive my 6spd 360

 

430 depreciation is nowhere near over. When the 458 successor comes out, it will take another large drop.

 

Very well said.

 

R8 have been holding value surprising well. Considering the V8 is now 6 years old, you cant find a nice one for less than $80k (They were $110-120k new.)

 

I own neither car but drove them back to back at Gingerman Racetrack. I was wondering the same as the OP and figured the track was a good place to find out which was better from me. The R8 was comfy and the interior was nice, exterior is a matter of opinion. The F430 was hands down better on the track. I felt much more comfortable and felt I could push the F430 much harder than the R8.

I hope to have an F430 in the garage in a year or 2 next to the Evora S. Audi makes great cars but a Ferrari is something special.

 

No comparison...nothing like owning a Ferrari

 

I tested both. Audi coupe was boring, spyder at least thrilled the soul as u could hear the exhaust.
F430 felt slow and old, but looks better and is more exotic than the R8.

 

Audi vs Ferrari,
Audi vs Ferrari
Hmmm.....
Let me think!

 

I have an Audi sedan. I love it. Never, ever, ever even considered buying an R8.

What kind of question is this on FChat?

 

The R8 is a great car (I used to own one), very refined, good handling, etc, etc. It will not give you the same raw excitement that a Ferrari will bring. Best to drive both and the decision will be made for you.

 

why not a new GT3 in that range? If you can find one, that is....

 

I wonder why he thinks that 430 depreciation over?

 

I almost bought an R8 V10 Spider a couple years ago (even put the deposit on the car)...after driving an F-Car...no comparison. Not nearly as much fun as a Ferrari.

 

I have driven both, back to back as a matter of fact, and I agree with this post.

The R8 is a great car. Possible near-perfect execution of a mid-engine supercar. But, the F430 has many more playful attributes. The Ferrari has more character, and when I went to buy, I bought a Ferrari because I love the soul, sound, and character.

 

I presently have an R8 and a 430.
The Ferrari is the more exciting "event" car but the Audi is also a great car and I would have no hesitation to jump in it and drive cross country. I would not do that with the Ferrari.
It all depends on how you want to use your car. Weekend toy-F-car, Daily driver exotic-R8.

BTW: As far as future values remember that they have possibly made more 430's than they have R8's and the Audi has had and is still having a very successful racing career. Including last years Rolex 24 at Daytona

 

when does that happen?

 

I think that it will happen when 458 owners will sell their cars to make space in garage for 458 replacement, market will be full of 458 and this will have impact on F430

 

Could be announced as soon as this March (Geneva), but more likely next March.

 

These are great responses, thanks everyone...I appreciate it. I talk ab the depreciation bc that is what a car will really cost you. Most 430's cost ab $220k, and are a nice $100k off with 10k miles...355's are stuck at a certain price, as well as most 360's, and 430's are 'almost' there...it's unlikely a nice, red/tan 430 with decent miles will ever cost below $105.

I def didn't mean to insult anyone by the comparison, but it's a fair comparison based on the fact Porsche 911/Ferrari is a fair comparison...the R8 V10 is a monster. I have had 6 911's, NONE have felt special...all felt like a dd. I had a nice red/tan 360, and would leave work early to drive it! Hence my return to Ferrari. A friend of mine suggested I at least look at an R8 V10...they are more exotic looking, and more rare than a 911 (based on production)...and possibly have much lower cost of operation than a 430.

I'm going to get a 430...there's no doubt! And it's going to be red.

 

I predict 430's will be $85k in 2 years. All v8's have followed virtually the same depreciation curve and then flatten out at 20 years old and maybe have a small raise at 30 years old. 430's are nowhere near 20 years old, so you have a lot of value left to lose.

Go back and do a value search in the 348/355 forums from 7 or 8 years ago and read the multitude of threads saying there's no way they'll go below $100k. Here we are now and they're half that. You think somehow the 430 is going to buck that trend? No way.

 

Let's face it, we are talking about world class supercars. They are all awesome! I drove a 2012 V10 R8 and actually put a deposit on it, but later backed out after having driven a Ferrari. I also owned a 2012 Porsche 997 911 Turbo S that was as wicked quick as they come. But somehow, the excitement of driving the Ferrari was overwhelmingly more fun and visceral. Both of those other cars were great, don't get me wrong. It's just that I appreciated the slightly wilder experience and (let's face it) sonic concerto that the Ferrari provides. It better fits my personality!
I have friends that much prefer the clinical and perfect driving experience that a Porsche or Audi gives them. I think that we are attracted to F-Cars on this forum site for a reason. Drive in good health and enjoy the experience.