2023 Audi R8 GT vs The Cheapest Audi R8 You Can Buy
The 2023 Audi R8 GT ($302,600 in Canada, $253,290 in the US) is up against its V8 ancestor, the 2009 R8 ($63,995 in the US, $85,000 in Canada). Price difference aside, these two Audi supercars command a striking mid-engine road presence and an exotic yet comfortable experience.
The elder R8 is known for its gated manual transmission that provides extra driver engagement and comes with a blazing 420 horsepower out of 8 cylinders. The R8 GT however has a newly updated 7-speed automatic transmission, a slew of carbon fibre and weight savings, and a horsepower number over 600 coming from a sonorous V10. How does the last hoorah of the Audi R8 stack up against its much more affordable ancestor? Thomas and James are excited to find out! We hope you enjoy the episode. Subscribe!
Huge thank you to @love2shift for loaning us their gated R8 and to @Brandon_sage for making it happen!
Editor: Karston Chong
Sound: Harrison Dickson and Karston Chong
Magical Genius Logistics Planners: James Engelsman and Gregory DeCaire
the "hold me backs" is easily the funniest thing you guys have ever done...genuinely LOLd
Are you being genuine?
😂😂😂😂😂
It's the drop of the towel, the cue the hold me backs needed.
“Bro you could’ve gotten a Lambo!” “I’m sick of people like you! There’s only 333 of these!” 😂
That was great!! 🤣🤣😂
Dont know how you guys keep coming up with a great intro time after time. Thank you guys.
frrrr, i would watch 3 hours of their intros only
The fact that the r8 only fits 2 people, meaning one of the “hold me backs” must have walked there or driven in a different car makes it even better
@@tbread1128 lol good point!
They have a team of writer's...........😮
Saturday nights live has writers too. They haven't really been funny in decades
I love the new gen R8, but every time I see a 1st gen, I just think about how well it's aged and how great it still looks. They are already starting to shoot up, and will definitely become a future classic.
I respect all Audi R8 versions. My preference is V10 Jet Blue Metallic circa 2010 or 2009. Non spyder or spyder with complete roll cage and hard top. Red Bull TT-R style below bumper and up rear spoiler. Store the original radio and rims, put gunmetal gray basic enkeis in black or platter BBS's in silver and VERY good tires.
I personally think it aged like milk xD But I always liked the second gen the most out of all
It's my dream vehicle and I'm so thankful for this episode.
couldnt agree more. the 2010-2015 models still look amazing
Shoot up? No they're not. Are you trying to justify an investment in one or something? The Gen 1 is probably the cheapest modern supercar money can buy.
"420 hp. you might say it's blazin'"
Wtf are you doing here
Wut da haiiillll???!!
The beauty of the original R8, 458, and SLS is unmatched.
Iz tru
💯 the 997.2 Porsche 911 too
@@Infamousdee240i prefer the 997.1 turbo but i get your point, very underrated in that era
@@Silviodante1960 definitely 🙌🏾🙌🏾 the best modern Porsche
How is 600+hp with a Lambo V10 AND a DSG so much slower than a C8 Z06 and barely faster than a Supra l 😮
As an Aussie, Throttle House's comparison videos really are hard to comprehend because of how expensive these cars are over here. Love the work guys
I mean, $250k is a really expensive car.
Your prices are brutal in Australia compared to here in the 🇺🇸! Don't you guys have speed cameras everywhere?
@B58 yes we do sadly. We have Luxury car tax, Stamp Duty and GST on cars over 80k. So yes prices are stupid high. I work for Porsche and a 992 GT3 is almost 500k drive away. This r8 GT is 650k as well. Huracan Evos are nearly 500k. Crazy
992 GT3 is around 1.1 million here in Singapore. The Canadian price of this R8 GT cannot even buy a poverty spec new E Class in Singapore. So it’s pretty fun here 😂
@@SpeedCafeGarage Truly feel bad for you guys that's a bunch of BS!! I have an RS3 on order, and I'm paying around 65k! How much for one of those with you guys?
Nothing beats the styling of the first R8. I prefer the old one over the new one by a mile.
Old one is timeless. The "new" one already looks dated. The old one is elegant and has restraint. The new one seems over done and aggressive but in a bland way. It's as if the new Audi is desperately trying to masquerade as a Lamborghini but it just ends up falling flat without the Italian flair and drama. The old R8 is German elegance and nothing more. It's not trying to be anymore than that. It's not trying to be something it's not. It's confident in itself. Or maybe I'm being overly dramatic and reading way too far into this.
@@andrewesau51Nah man, you are absolutely right.
so real the old one looks so clean and elegant i much prefer the old one rather than the aggressive geometric look of the new version
The new one looks too much like the fat TT imo. I love the first R8.. it looks like a small Bugatti
The iron man car ❤
I haven't tuned in for several months now but it makes me incredibly happy to see you are still delivering what was the very best of top gear style content (pure unadulterated car reviews) and none of the nonsense they started pitting out in the later years. Please keep it up, you guys are the best at it.
You guys do the Old Vs New better than anyone else!
If they actually raced them against each other, maybe.
They do it so good that they don’t race them against each other 😐
Race them? How old are you?
Anyone else love how enthusiastically they introduce themselves, never change guys!
we all love it!
I'm Paul 👉! Hahaha... And I love their wild, whacky and funny intros, and obviously the rest of their productions. In some ways though, having Karston in the mix would be a good choice, having a trio like Top Gear/Grand Tour, but, (although I loved TG and TGT) in some ways funnier and more exhilarating too! 👍
james staring in your souls
"AND I'M JAMES!!!"
Had the pleasure of driving an original R8 with a sports exhaust. And the V8 with a different exhaust sounds incredible
The original V8 R8 with that manual is just perfect. Looks so much better than the new ones too.
The "corn" and "what the fork" was done brilliantly 😂
Love me a good place reference
Had me cryin
V8 R8 is a masterpiece in every way. For all purposes, a DTM derived V8 that sounds like a touring car from the 90's, game changing design which audi still follows in some ways till date and something the new one lacks, a manual.
Such a shame it's AWD.
@@JippaJ Not at all.
It's quite Vanilla for a "supercar", and there's more excitement to be had for 85k. It's good, not great.
@@TML34 I disagree, it’s beyond great. The Og V8 manual is the best car I’ve ever driven. But mine has the exhaust done and that changes everything.
@@scotthiebert4979 Yep, an exhaust really makes a substantial difference because the engine sounds so good but the stock exhaust is way too muffled. That and a good set of coilovers really make the car come alive
Without a doubt the best car channel on KZhead and any other platform you guys could broadcast on. Reminds me of the UK glory Top Gear days with Jeremey Clarkson and co. Simply Brilliant!
Dangit you guys!!! The launch that starts at 4:22 till about 4:32 has my ears filled with joy. I think its the first time a car channel has thought about the exhaust clips and sounds bringing over to the viewers. If im correct, a exhaust mic outside of the car was used in this clip to capture its glorious engine launch symphony out the back. And was then layered over the video clip recording the indoor as he launches it. THIS makes it sooo much more realistic in a way it kinda makes you feel like your inside it while taking of.
The chemistry between Thomas and James and the unending spew of creativity will take this channel and whatever you guys end up doing in the future all sorts of places. Good work.
The OG R8 V8 manual was always my favorite car. It's looks are so much better than the ones that came after.
Agreed. Almost 2 decades old and still looks brand new
It's been a dream car of mine since they came out. Unfortunately, by the time I'll be able to own one they'll all be super old and there won't be any lower my mileage ones left. I can't imagine R8 service prices being cheap
It looks like a damn concept car made it to the streets! And i love that
I agree I absolutely adore mine after 5 years of ownership!
@@Golden_AceDBD cause it happend like that. Only difference between concept and actual car is diffrent headlights and exhaust placement
The cars, the energy, the sound, the editing, the video as a whole is a masterpiece, like always. Thanks guys 💪
The old R8 4.2 V8 will always be my dream car. It may be old but I just don't care. In this day and age of newer and better supercars, this car will always be the one that cemented Audi's reputation as it became its halo car. Sure its V8's architecture is the same as the RS4 that came before it but what an engine it was and it is even by today's standards. Step on the clutch, hear the shifters clink, release the clutch and step on the gas, feel the undulations of the road through its steering wheel. Every corner, every bump, every rev that it makes is just a treat to your senses that newer cars may no longer be able to offer you. It's a modernized analog car for enthusiasts who wanted it up close and personal.
"420 horsepower. You might say it's blazin'" Hat tip to you, sir.
That for me too lmao
Incredible script and impeccable execution. Throttle House is heavily underrated in my opinion. You guys are more exciting to watch than Top Gear or any other top dog media company. Keep up the great job guys, you have a long way to go 🎉
"Spilled Fanta on a hot summer's day" Absolutely a gem of writing
The only car channel I'll make sure to watch.
Nice video! You guys have produced a lot of great car reviews! Keep up the good work!
Thatv was the longest pause before "and I'm James". I was starting to get worried
Yet again an epic story and not just a car review. Love how you guys work
I always feel that the original R8 4.2 is a successor to the NA1 & NA2 Honda NSX as the usable, reliable every day mid engined supercar. As Thomas said in the vid one of those V8 R8s with a nice exhaust and some other upgrade mods would be a pretty perfect drivers car. Also they have aged very well, looks as good today as it did back in 2007.
I’ve never heard an R8 owner refer to their car as reliable 😂 The few I’ve met had little good to say about them and have since sold them.
You are clueless
@@HayateV3 Mine's reliable. :) 70K miles. Keeping mine forever.
@@kevcha 70,000 miles? You gotta get those numbers up. Those are _rookie_ numbers.
@@NaruSanavai not many R8's in this mileage range or above XD
I like how you could also get the older R8 in V8 or V10 form. What really matters is the gated manual tbh. Hard to find them at times
Anyone else love how enthusiastically they introduce themselves, never change guys!. The beauty of the original R8, 458, and SLS is unmatched..
Love you guys! Initially you filled the top gear shaped hole in my heart, but you have developed into something even more. Keep up the awesome work.
Mate 👍🏾
That intro never change at all and I absolute love it 😂👍
V8, MT, analog speed and throttle dashboard... Thats all that i need
If i could like the video 100 times, i would, what made this video more interesting & took me in a world of precise description about the driving feeling & experience is holy another level this time, u both really love this car the clinker 😂 Great video, wish u the best
That first minute at the very begining just got me to tears ahahahahaha My buddy ordered this GT and he already received like 623 simmilar questions. im gonna hire him these holdback guys :D Thanks for vid, guys!
You guys have the best automotive review channel and that road to enlightenment series was amazing! I was in Arizona around the time you shot it. Keep up the good work! Stay safe with the smoke from the fires
Great video ! @14:25 That's the only thing you have to do with the V8: Exhaust & Race Filters to envoy the melody !
“420 HP….. you might say it’s blazon’” 😂😂😂. Best line in the whole video!!! I love the little puns and jokes mixed in with a actual review. This is why we live this channel guys!!!!
You’ve done such a wonderful job with this series. I was thinking the other day about what other vehicles you hadn’t covered already, which made me realize how thorough you’d been with finding the cars I would want to see comparisons of. I hope you keep the same level of creativity with your videos because it really does make them feel special!
There's practically no doubt that the V8 R8 with the manual is already a legend - I'm sure many of us remember watching Clarkson's on-track review of the OG R8 at Dunsfold for the first time. It was a space ship then and it's still a work of art today.
I miss Top Gear so much. It was the only TV show I really cared about, I think I've seen every episode and special. Other than that, I don't care much for TV shows or movies. If you haven't watched Clarkson's Farm it's actually really good too.
The styling of the original launch R8 will forever be "The Audi R8", and the new angular styling looks like they only did it to stop people from thinking it's a 15 year old car, which is kind of ironic when the R8 is so iconic. At this point I feel like making a car that looks even more like the original 2006 model would only make it more appealing.
Been watching this chanel for a loooong time and this is easily the bst video so far. Brilliant😅
Great show, as always. I will never forget seeing an Audi R8 at an auto show the year before it was released. It was mesmerizing. Even as a really young lad, I knew it would be an important car for Audi. Now, I'm starting to reach my financial goals, and might be able to actually afford one soon, and they're being discontinued. Guess I'll just have to get a used one. The R8 will always be one of my favorite cars, until it comes with batteries.
I hope you get one man 🙏
Hilarious intro haha. Well done guys. Also the LOTR jokes are too good. I’d never really considered an R8 but as a man with a newfound passion for driving manual cars and a median income budget, a 15 y/o R8 is looking very appealing.
9:57 I got emotional about forking clinking man. Clinking. What a production. Great work. Thanks for enriching my life.
Like these type of comparing videos they really go to show how different two cars that look exactly alike are different always wanted an Audi truck car whatever but the r8 is amazing I always loved the way it sounded and looked ❤️ subscribed
The more the R8 evolves...the more I love the initial V8 model. I wish we had more cars that were supercar format/sportscar performance. Just because I want a well-developed mid-engined sports car with sound, pace, and a little livability doesn't mean I want 600+ HP and pace that's just impossible to unleash without being a maniac or a felon. The first R8 was a 911 Carrera S competitor, not a GT2 RS-beater. I'm happy with that, especially for all the savings!
I own the R8 in this video, and you couldn't have summed it up better! Well said.
Self-restraint is paramount, whether you have 600 hp or 300 hp under the hood
I gotta say, the audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R are my 2 favourite daily driveable super cars that are somewhat attainable for me. always glad to see them featured
Everything else seems out of reach but these two are the only sane option
Also Corvette c6/c7
@@JahoSelamaj sadly not in australia
Basic ass taste
@defyyourlogic487 in terms of "affordable" daily drive able sports/super cars there's not a whole lot else other than like an Aston martin vantage. I'm also Australian so a few other options are locked behind being way more expensive for me here
2:47 ROTFL perfect timing with the LoTR MTG card set release just saw this on Reddit and am so glad I watched this video
This is such a great series. Thanks guys.
You guys should do a similar comparison with the V8 Vantage. You can get a previous-gen example for like $45k now. See how it compares to a brand new one.
Only problem with a vantage is that it cannot compare to the audi r8’s reliability There is a reason it depreciates as much as a Maserati
@@ruskibruski Absolute myth. I own a 2008 V8 Vantage with 80k miles and it's been dead reliable. Basic maintenance is all it's ever needed. I wouldn't hesitate to drive the car anywhere for any distance, that's how reliable it is. And other owners report the same thing. When it does need something it's expensive -- parts are costly because the car is very low volume, and specialists are hard to find -- but my car goes into the shop twice a year for basic upkeep and that's all it ever needs. I've had to do two wheel bearings in the last five years which is pretty normal, and I had to replace an alternator. Big deal. This summer I'm doing the clutch, which will cost about $6k. First clutch replacement in the life of the car. In no way are these cars comparable to a Maserati in terms of reliability. Even the R8 (or any modern Audi) is more temperamental to maintain thanks to the fact that they're a lot more computerized than the Vantage. People hear Aston Martin and they make assumptions, but they're just not accurate at all. The V12 cars are a little more intense, but the V8 is a very basic, simple setup. Depreciation is a meaningless whim of the market, which has been completely insane for the last five years.
That intro had me rolling!!!! 😂 Awesome review as always guys. 👍
Absolutely great start of the day for me watching this video!! I want a R8 manual V8 convertible so bad now.
"420 horsepower... You might say it's blazing" chef's kiss. Geez the writing on this channel just gets better and better. Keep it up guys.
Great video and a hilarious intro. I have a gated V8 R8 that I daily drive and track and it is a great all around car. Thomas' comments about it just needing an exhaust and suspension upgrades to wake it up is spot on, those were the two first mods on mine. The engine sounds great, but it is way too muffled. A titanium exhaust make the car sound AMAZING.
I really hope those of you that can afford nicer cars (for more than a month) really really love driving them for those of us that can't (yet). I'm glad you get to track it. Cheers mate
Thank you, another great video, filled with smart integration of fun.
Yeeeeees, only 40sec in I'm commenting already.... Just love your production and staging of every video upload boys!!!! An Aussie fan 👍🤙
Your intros never let us down😅
Its amazing how some people are so stupid, like they are the first to say yoy get a lambo for that price 🤣
@@Narrowcros I mean Huracan is the big brother which is faster in Nurburgring. Porsche is also obv faster. You buy this car because its a supercar that looks like an Audi
@@Jallu555 What would it actually mean to someone driving a road legal car on the road if it's faster on some track?!
@@amarjit_singh_ Its not just they are faster, Gt3 for example is more playful and fun car in everyway.
@@Jallu555 That's not always true for a car to be considered as a fun car. Take the Toyota GR86 for example, it isn't the most powerful car but it definitely is more fun than a 600hp supercar with a faster lap time on some track.
I would love to see a bonus comparison with a V8 R8 that has had an exhaust change. Back then Audi didn't do the hybrid open/closed exhaust valve setup so it was just fully muted which is great when you don't wanna wake up your neighbors, but it really doesn't do that engine justice. A free flowing exhaust with matching intake and slight tune will give it a healthy boost to performance in the mid and top range, and that engine note is to die for. Pure oldschool DTM style, sounds so mechanical. Getting an original R8 V8 and pouring 15-20k into a few key mods is a game changer. One of the best sportscars sub 80K can buy imo.
Yeah the Lambo and Audi stock exhaust is very large and very heavy. It would definitely be the first thing on my list. A turbo wouldn't hurt if you're into that.
Well it depends if you wanna blow your ears out, just imagine listening to it for hours on end. I guess people don't want to track it always with a helmet on but actually use it on trips too.
Absolutely correct. A titanium exhaust, eurowise cold air intake and a tune totally changed the character of my car.
I honestly have never driven either model, but the V8 with the power band, just seems fun, and obviously with the manual gate!
Just found this channel - already loving it 🤣
That LOTR line thooo 😂
There are days where I refresh my KZhead feed to see if you guys have dropped a new video. That's honestly the highest compliment I can give. Keep doing great work and love the LOTR references!
The older r8 just has a smoother cleaner look to it. Plus at the gated manual transmission.. Perfecto
This channel is starting to become the "Top Gear" of the internet, I loved that intro so much! The review was great too but man that intro got to me XD
Another banger on the intro, you guys are so fantastic. Love it. From this though, I did not know R8s were somewhat reasonable priced for older units. I might have a chance someday.
Old R8 V8 is my dream car and it is amazing. The Lotr stuff got me too from the start. Keep being amazing guys!
Those videos are so well made. Thanks so much for this kind of entertainment!
Your intros are crazy🤣🤣love your content..love from S.A🇿🇦
That intro got me fucking rolling! Great video as always!
The old R8 looks like a piece of art as for the new R8 looks like every modern Supercar experiment.
For those that wish they could get a Pagani but settle for a R8 with carbon bits.
Thank you! Would love to see “Back to Basics” comparison - base R8 manual v. base 911 manual 😁
I remember watching the original top gear review of the R8 V8. I was in love.
I love the nerdy references! I'll take the gated manual every day. Nothing against paddle shifters (or automatics) here but I like the engagement that stick provides
The old automatics were clunky compared to the gated but the new models completely fixed that so if you buy old get manual new get automatic
Your intros are always awesome! I think the v8 is a masterpiece! In the past, deemed too rational. Now, since it's manual... comparing to modern stuff, it's a tactile masterpiece
I love this particular series. Never stop.
Just a brilliant and sensible review! One of the best scripted reviews I have ever seen. Thank you for that! Subscribed for it
Decent manual V8s go for as low as £30k in the UK, can't think of anything I'd rather have for the money
Thank goodness you two are back doing awesome reviews like these, definitely missed them and the fun times you two have doing them!!
Loved racing an early R8 V8 with my g37 3.7L V6. Yea, he took me on top end but it was much closer than I thought. Sounded great.
The R8 V8 would get smoked by most modern cars now.
You guys are getting crazy with the skits and acting. Loving the cinematics and theatrics. Also great review per usual fellas 😎
This channel just keeps getting better with time ! Great work ! ❤😎 🎉
Very unpopular opinion, but the manual R8 V8 is my favorite of all the R8s. It’s just so honest, simple, and absolutely beautiful.
Lol very unpopular ?
@@lifes2short4anameI think he's referring to the V8 not the V10 as unpopular
Nice Sinn 105 St Sa there Thomas! Should do a video on watches one of these days if you have not already.
The first gen r8 4.2 is my dream car. While I really like the new/ current ones, that older one I think looked better. It's curvey and full of character. Every car now a days are sharp, angles, and honestly, just look and resemble each other too much.
2008 r8 v8 30km odo located in beirut lebanon for 46,500$
As everyone has already said, the writing and content is amazing as usual. But something that's easy to miss is the totally elite acting skills. You guys really sell the sketches, that what makes it hilarious.
That infotainment system might be dated, but it appears to actually follow the double DIN standard, which means you can just have pretty much any aftermarket head unit installed, so it doesn’t really matter. Go try to do that in one of the new R8s in ten or fifteen years.
I love that you guys did this video. As a current 1st Gen R8 owner, I'm always amazed at why someone would need the new one. I'd love to see a comparison of the V8 that you drove to mine. It's a V10 Spyder with the 6sp, but it's Supercharged to 800hp and has a RWD conversion. It's the best of all worlds.
The new one is over styled and gaudy. The original is so classy and timeless imo.
Just realized I need to get me some hold me backs haha and you had me at standard transmission!
Excellent content as always guys. Gets the detailed review points across while making us all laugh. I will miss the R8, one of the best supercars ever made and holding on to any of the previous generations should be a safe bet as we head into an EV world.
These new vs old videos are better when both hosts drive both cars, it gives a lot more perspective between the cars and makes for a more enjoyable video
Hahaha I LOVE your intros! SO good!!
I particularly appreciated The Good Place reference! Kudos!
The best channel on KZhead for me. What a team. 👏
I kid you not, my face just lit up when I saw the notification for this video...😂
...great review...as usual, very entertaining. It's about time you guys get your own TV show...
Loved the intro - had me rolling. 😂😂
V10 sounds are priceless 🎉🎉🎉
This mk1 gated is nice my gf has one and it’s a blast to drive it’s not as fast as the v10 but it doesn’t feel slow either I think it’s one of the best looking cars of all time and it’s sad 😢 it won’t be sold anymore 😞
It looks better, the first one
Holy run-on sentence, man. 😶
How are the intros always so lit? Love it
I love it Rn I have a 2013 Audi s6 and people think that it’s a newer 2017 because of how futuristic they look it has all the bells and whistles too
For it's First Gen R8 V10 gated 6-speed manual over any other R8. The lines, the curves on it, the feel from the manual gears. No matter how many of them are yet to come, i would always go for a first gen V10 manual.