2018 R8 vs 458 Italia

[sokoloka]

Steadily marching towards my first exotic purchase and am somewhat hung between ordering a brand new Audi R8 or purchasing a gently loved 458 Italia coupe.

I've been lusting after the new generation of R8 for some time now. It was only recently that the 458 option came into sight when I saw what decent examples were going for.

The R8 has the benefits of AWD, spec'ing exactly how I want, newer technology, and somehow feels like the "safer" choice.

The Ferrari is well... a Ferrari! What makes it exciting also can make it intimidating. Looking at 2012's and 13's which have a year or two left of the included service. After that, I'd be on my own but from what I've read the 458 has actually been quite reliable as a driver's car.

Any suggestions from those of us who have driven either or both? All insights much appreciated!

Thanks.

[TC94]

The cars are vastly different really. The R8 will be more practical and easier to get service. Remember the 458 maintenance plan is just that: included cost of the required annual maintenance. It is NOT a warranty. You have to buy that separately at additional cost. Having said that, my 2013 458 has been trouble-free since brand new. I’ve taken several 500 mile trips in it without worries at all. Well except for flat tires, I have no spare.

The 458 will be a different car altogether. It’s just less clinical and more passion to drive. The Audi will be competent and perform well, but just in a more sterile fashion compared to the 458.

You’re best bet is to drive both and decide. A used 458 won’t depreciate as much from here in out compared to a new R8.

[zama]

All logic would tell you R8, but the reality is the R8 will be replaced with another R8 with slight improvements etc, the 458 will always be the last naturally aspirated mid engined V8 Ferrari, think 993 version of the 911. The extra cost of maintenance IMHO is a drop against the depreciation the R8 will have. So for me I would go Ferrari assuming you can afford it. If it was a 430 then I would say R8.

I was lucky enough as a kid to have my parents buy me a new "safe" Nissan hatchback. For the same money ($15K) another guy at school bought himself an old (about 15 year old then) Aussie Muscle Car, a Torana A9X (for the aussies) for everyone else think like a Dodge Challenger. My mother said why would any parent let their child drive such a dangerous and stupid piece of junk. My Nissan if you could find one that was not at the scrap yard would be $800 the piece of Junk my mother hated sells now for about A$175,000....... If you can afford to keep it a 458 (particularly a Speciale) will always be an amazing appreciating asset.

[jw0n]

The R8 is the better car and the 458 is the more emotional car. If pace, precision, power is your thing... get the R8. Otherwise, stick with the Ferrari.

If it was me, I'd go with the Ferrari - I can only go so fast, after all :-)

[MonBK]

The last Audi I bought was the F103 and I promised myself I'd never buy another one so not much help here.

[superdog]

I’m a dreamer who always dreamed of a Ferrari.

If I had the opportunity, I’d go Ferrari and never look back.

[1st amg]

Having a german supercar/muscle car in my garage, and a 15 458 Italia, I can tell you without a doubt, buy the Ferrari. The amount of emotion and passion owning and driving this car is like no other. Frankly, I didnt expect it to be that much of a difference when comparing HP and specs of both my cars, but when I drove my Italia for the first time, the other car sat for a very very long time. No comparison. I would suggest if you can, buy one of the last year models of the 458 in order to take advantage of the 7yr maintenance plan from Ferrari as it included for free, then cough up the extra money and extend the Ferrari Power warranty. You can extend this warranty for up to 11yrs, one year at a time and the beauty is you can actually skip a year of extended warranty and then purchase it the year after. Well worth it, you will sleep better at night. The Audi is a great car, yes newer technology etc, but it will pale in comparison of all the mystique and passion Ferrari offers. Have fun deciding and post pics of whatever you end up with, regardless of which you choose, you are a very fortunate person to be in this predicament.

[Danny83]

I would get an 812 SF but if thats not an option 458.

[Reglin]

I never drove the R8. I had a 2010 458 Italia up to this past August when my 488GTB arrived. I have driven many cars over the years and can say without any hesitation the Ferrari is the most impressively engineered auto in the world. I had about 27,000 miles on my 458 and the only maintenance was an annual oil change.

[RHIII]

Lots of great comments already --- if it was me, it would depends on how much I would be driving it...More of a daily, R8....More of a sunny, casual Friday and weekend ride...Ferrari all the way!

You can't go wrong, Good luck!!!!

[Spartacus]

The potential service costs have always been what concerned me the most. If you can afford to maintain the Ferrari, absolutely Ferrari over Audi.

[Syed117]

One is a Ferrari and the other is an Audi.

This is coming from someone who has loved the R8 since it was first released.

I would take the R8, but I know the Ferrari is more special.

[Knappo 1307]

R8

[encarter13]

Originally Posted by superdog

I’m a dreamer who always dreamed of a Ferrari.

If I had the opportunity, I’d go Ferrari and never look back.

This is me. Growing up the screen savers on my computer, the posters on my wall, etc were always Ferrari and Porsche. Ferrari gets my vote!

[tbonesteak]

R8 for me - just think it would be more practical and you'll get more enjoyment out of it.

[RW16610]

If the Ferrari is a possibility along with that Audi I would go for the Ferrari in a heartbeat!

[GB-man]

This is easy. Ferrari unless it will be a daily.

[Chewbacca]

R8

Not because I like it more, but I always appreciate a better warranty, dealer network and less headaches with cars.

[mjclark32]

Ferrari for me.
In laws got a California about a year ago, I love taking it out, and I bet the 458 is 100 times more fun!
I see R8’s all the time and never really felt much towards them...

[DeeTee]

Not to throw fuel on the fire, but there are rumors that the R8 will be discontinued in a few years.

[fkim011]

Originally Posted by DeeTee

Not to throw fuel on the fire, but there are rumors that the R8 will be discontinued in a few years.

The R8 was completely redesigned for end of 2016 coming in as a 2017 model. There will be a refresh in 2020, a new redesign won't hit shores till 2022.

I don't think the model will die as the Lamborghini Huracan shares the chasis, engine, transmisson and suspension underpinnings with the R8. In theory, the R8 doesn't cost VW group much to produce since the two models have been sharing the parts been for some time.

I currently own the 2017 R8, bought new and 8k on the dial in 6 months. I would look at how you're going to use this car. If it is strictly for weekends, it is without question the Ferrari. The prancing horse cars, no matter the age gives you a visceral driving experience that can't be reproduced by any other manufacturer. Compared to the previous generation F-cars, the 458 is as reliable as Ferrari has ever been.

I commute with my R8 over a 100 miles a day, 2 or 4 times a week in rotation. In terms of everyday drivability, comfort, and features only the 991 Turbo will beat the R8. The R8 is that good. Give the non-plus R8 a drive and you will be amazed how civilized it is on the road without being too in your face. If you want the more bone jarring experience, the R8 V10 plus has the more power and stiffer coilover like setup ...

With that being said, I too am looking for the F car of my dreams to add to the R8.

[SearChart]

If I had to choose... R8, but for that money I would go for a 911 GT3 in miami blue.

[SDRider]

Originally Posted by superdog

I’m a dreamer who always dreamed of a Ferrari.

If I had the opportunity, I’d go Ferrari and never look back.

Same here. I'd love to own a Ferrari one day.

[breitlings]

458...

[Investr]

Originally Posted by Syed117

One is a Ferrari and the other is an Audi.

This is coming from someone who has loved the R8 since it was first released.

I would take the R8, but I know the Ferrari is more special.

[nick c]

Ferrari 458 for me.

[The Joker]

What gets better MPG?

[droptopman]

Both amazing vehicles. I generally like German autos, but in this case would go Ferrari. Would love to own a Ferrari at some point in my life, but probably will not happen. If all things are equal for how much you like each...one will be an appreciating asset and one will be depreciating. That might influence your decision.

When I had my car lot, I had a 308 GTS for a few weeks and drove it regularly until I sold it. Super fun to drive, but I do not fit in exotics very well. I am too tall.

[GSDLover]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Both amazing vehicles. I generally like German autos, but in this case would go Ferrari. Would love to own a Ferrari at some point in my life, but probably will not happen. If all things are equal for how much you like each...one will be an appreciating asset and one will be depreciating. That might influence your decision.

When I had my car lot, I had a 308 GTS for a few weeks and drove it regularly until I sold it. Super fun to drive, but I do not fit in exotics very well. I am too tall.

Size is not a problem any longer. I hated the 328. Way too small. I'm 6'4 and my brother is about 6'6. We both comfortably fit in my 458.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by GSDLover

Size is not a problem any longer. I hated the 328. Way too small. I'm 6'4 and my brother is about 6'6. We both comfortably fit in my 458.

No kidding. Last year at Speed Vegas Track, I tried to get into a Ferrari and a Lamborghini and it was a tight fit. Do not remember the models but was much more comfortable in Porsche and MB. Nice to know there are exotics with some leg room out there.