Audi
R8
McLaren
620R
Audi R8 vs McLaren 620R: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Audi R8 comes out ahead of the McLaren 620R on fuel economy. 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.
620R
Overall
Owner sentiment is extremely limited and fragmented, with no substantive discussion of long-term ownership experiences, driving dynamics, or daily usability. The model is mentioned only in passing within broader discussions about the McLaren brand's reliability, model proliferation, and racing programs. The few direct references characterize it as a "race car for the road" and a more advanced version of the 570S, but no first-hand ownership impressions are present.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available.
Known issues
- ⚠**General McLaren Reliability Concerns (applied broadly to brand, not 620R-specific)**: Frequent electronic failures (traction control errors, TPMS, ABS, power window mechanisms, key recognition, infotainment freezes), mechanical fragility…
- ⚠**Brand-Wide Depreciation & Model Proliferation**: Criticism that McLaren's release of numerous special editions based on the same platforms has oversaturated the market, cannibalized sales, and contributed to steep depreciation, making th…
The verdict
The Audi R8 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the McLaren 620R, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the McLaren 620R is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 620R?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi R8 and the McLaren 620R. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 620R?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 620R?
The Audi R8 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 13-13.1 L/100km combined versus 13.1 L/100km for the McLaren 620R, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 620R?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi R8 than the McLaren 620R. See the known issues comparison above.