Audi
R8
BMW
M6
Audi R8 vs BMW M6: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi R8 offers power, while the BMW M6 excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Audi R8 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the BMW M6 if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
R8
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment regarding the driving experience, emotional appeal, and V10 engine character, with the vehicle widely described as a childhood dream car. The R8 is praised for its engaging, analog feel, particularly in earlier generations, and its relatively accessible supercar ownership experience. However, owner discussions reveal significant and recurrent concerns regarding specific reliability issues, most notably with the magnetic ride suspension and the air conditioning compressor.
Best version to buy
For the first generation (2008-2015), a later model year (2014-2015) V10 with a manual transmission is frequently cited as the most desirable and reliable combination. The manual is strongly preferred over the earlier R-tronic and S-tronic automated manuals for longevity and driving engagement.
Known issues
- ⚠Magnetic Ride Suspension Failure: Struts and shocks are prone to leaking, leading to complete system failure. Replacement with OEM parts is very costly, leading many owners to plan for aftermarket coilover upgrades.
- ⚠Air Conditioning Compressor Failure: Affects both V8 and V10 engines in the first generation. The compressor's location between the engine and firewall makes replacement a major, engine-out service, resulting in extremely high repair costs…
- ⚠Automated Manual Transmission Problems (R-tronic/S-tronic): Issues with early automated manuals in the first generation are noted as problematic and expensive to repair. Jerky shifting behavior is also commonly reported.
M6
Overall
Sentiment is deeply polarized and highly conditional. The vehicle is universally revered for its high-revving 5.0L V10 (S85) engine, described as an "insanely fast" and "brilliant" powerplant above 5,000 RPM, offering a unique and thrilling driving experience that creates significant owner pride and excitement. However, this is heavily counterbalanced by very frequent and severe criticism regarding legendary reliability concerns and extreme ownership costs.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim (e.g., Competition Package) as the "best." The primary differentiator discussed is transmission choice. The 6-speed manual (6MT) is highly prized for its rarity, driver engagement, and because it avoids the notorious reliability issues of the SMG III automated manual transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠Rod bearing failures in the S85 V10 engine: considered a critical, well-documented flaw requiring preventative replacement; catastrophic engine failure risk. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠SMG III transmission reliability: prone to major failures, expensive repairs, and criticized for poor drivability in daily use. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Throttle actuator failures: another common and expensive fault with the S85 engine. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The BMW M6 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Audi R8, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Audi R8 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi R8 or the BMW M6?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi R8 and the BMW M6. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi R8 or the BMW M6?
The BMW M6 seats more passengers than the Audi R8 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Audi R8 is classed as a Coupe, the BMW M6 as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi R8 or the BMW M6?
The BMW M6 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.3 L/100km combined versus 13-13.1 L/100km for the Audi R8, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi R8 or the BMW M6?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi R8 than the BMW M6. See the known issues comparison above.