Audi
R8
BMW
M8
Audi R8 vs BMW M8: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW M8 comes out ahead of the Audi R8 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. 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.
M8
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its capabilities and criticism of its character. The vehicle is widely acknowledged as extremely fast, comfortable, luxurious, and built to a high quality with tight assembly tolerances. It is consistently described as an excellent grand tourer that does everything well, offering a blend of performance, technology, and daily usability.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (e.g., Coupe vs. Gran Coupe, Competition vs. base).
Known issues
- ⚠Lack of driving emotion/excitement: described as bland, boring, or lacking visceral feel despite high performance. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Ignition coil and coolant hose failures: on the hot-V 4.4L V8 in related models (M6), noted as a potential age-related concern for the M8. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Ride quality: described as very stiff, to the point of compromising its grand touring comfort, especially when compared to the M850i. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The BMW M8 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 M8?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi R8 and the BMW M8. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi R8 or the BMW M8?
The BMW M8 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 M8 as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi R8 or the BMW M8?
The BMW M8 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.6 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 M8?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi R8 than the BMW M8. See the known issues comparison above.