Is an Audi R8 a Good Daily Driver? (9 Essential Aspects)
The Audi R8 is a stunning supercar with breathtaking performance capabilities, but its daily driver credentials are less impressive as more frugal and easier to live with everyday vehicles are available.
Read on for details.
R8’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#1 Low-Slung and Very Close to the Ground
Sports cars are typically low-slung with a sloping roof, so they aren’t the best choice for tall drivers.
Access to an Audi R8 requires agility with an overall vehicle height lower than its competitors.
The same goes for climbing out.
| Overall Height | |
| Nissan GT-R | 53.9 inches (1,369 mm) |
| Porsche 911 | 51.3 inches (1,303 mm) |
| Audi R8 | 48.8 inches (1,239 mm) |
Further, with a seating position so close to the ground, visibility is challenging, and driving among taller and larger vehicles will be intimidating.
#2 Abysmal Fuel Economy
The incredible performance of the Audi R8 comes at the expense of fuel economy, unfortunately.
2017 Audi R8 and newer models average between 16 and 17 mpg combined, while older R8s could only return a meager 15 mpg or less in mixed driving.
You could make one consume less fuel, but driving efficiently will require extraordinary restraint.
Other sports cars are more frugal – Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R, and Nissan 370Z, to name a few.
(See the R8’s comparison with other sports cars later in the post.)
#3 Premium Gas
Driving a supercar like the R8 means the premium fuel requirement is a given and shouldn’t surprise.
Still, it’s a drawback worth pointing out as gas prices remain high.
V8 and V10 Audi R8s require the use of higher-octane fuel.
The low fuel efficiency and costlier fuel type is a worrying combination.
#4 Small-ish Trunk Limits Practicality.
Mid-engine cars like the R8 typically come up short in this area.
The 8-cubic-foot space in the narrow but deep front trunk may suffice for a weekend getaway for two, but hauling more oversized items may pose a challenge.
| Cargo Capacity (seats in place) | |
| 370z (coupe) | 6.9 cubic ft. |
| Subaru BRZ (coupe) | 6.9 cubic ft. |
| Audi R8 (coupe) | 8.0 cubic ft. |
| Nissan GT-R (coupe) | 8.8 cubic ft. |
| Ford Mustang (coupe) | 13.5 cubic ft. |
| VW Golf R (hatchback) | 22.8 cubic ft. |
| Honda Civic Type R (hatchback) | 25.7 cubic ft. |
The Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R hatchbacks have some of the roomiest trunks, perfect when you want a powerful yet practical daily driver.
#5 Expensive Upkeep
Audi R8s cost an average of $1,123 per year to maintain, according to RepairPal.
It is more expensive than rivals like the Porsche 911 ($1,072/year), BMW i8 ($979/year), and Nissan GT-R ($920/year).
These figures are averages, and they increase with the machine’s age.
Still, a used car’s condition vary significantly depending on its service history, and your used R8 may cost more to run.
#6 So-So Visibility
The better a daily driver’s visibility, the less taxing the drive, as parking and changing lanes will not require the extra focus you’d otherwise commit.
Forward visibility in the R8 with its slim windshield pillars is generally better than many other sports cars.
However, the extremely low seating position can make getting a good view of the road challenging for shorter drivers.
The windshield frame obstructs the vision of traffic lights and may require craning your neck to see them.
Plus, the upright seat – while ideal for spirited driving – and the lack of power adjustments could be an issue when you want a more relaxed daily driving position.
R8’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#7 Sexy and Recognizable
Love or loathe the attention, an Audi R8 will stand out among the crowd.
The R8 is a sexy machine that attracts stares and admiration when driven or parked.
Its lust-worthy status compliments the high scores in the various performance indicators, such as an otherworldly acceleration, athletic handling, and trustworthy braking.
Crucially, the ride comfort isn’t as poor as its performance capability would suggest.
#8 Acceptable Ride Comfort
As far as supercars go, the Audi R8 is one of the better daily drivers with agreeable ride quality.
The ride is expectedly and appropriately firm for such a focused sports machine, but it isn’t spine-shattering.
It has enough compliance to smooth road imperfections and filter out harsh impacts.
The level of cabin insulation is satisfactory to keep road and wind noise out, allowing you to enjoy the engine’s glorious growl.
#9 Remarkably Strong Resale Value
After the initial couple of years where the decline is steeper, the Audi R8’s year-to-year drop in value is small and consistently so.
The R8 holds value exceptionally well, depreciating 40% after five years and (only) 47% after ten years.
It is a terrific performer compared to rivals in the entry-level sports and muscle cars and fellow $100k-plus higher-end sports machines.
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 38% | 55% |
| Audi R8 | 40% | 47% |
| Nissan GT-R | 40% | 56% |
| Dodge Challenger | 40% | 61% |
| Chevy Camaro | 40% | 62% |
| Subaru WRX | 40% | 70% |
| Nissan 370z | 42% | 58% |
| Ford Mustang | 43% | 66% |
| Porsche 911 | 45% | 63% |
| Dodge Charger | 48% | 75% |
Overall, only the Mazda Miata (entry-level sports car; sub $40k) holds value better than the R8 – direct rivals Porsche 911 and Nissan GT-R has lower resale values.
Audi R8 Comparison with Other Vehicles
Audi R8 vs. Porsche 911 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=tubro.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
The 911 is rear-wheel-drive while the R8 is all-wheel-drive, so the latter’s all-weather-capability is more suitable for daily driving in varying and more extreme conditions.
Although the R8 looks sexier, the Porsche 911 is a better daily driver than the R8:
- Remarkably comfortable ride considering its high-performance credentials.
- Better visibility with a lower dash, short hood, and relatively slim roof pillars.
- Significantly stronger fuel economy.
- Less powerful than the R8 but no less enjoyable to drive.
- Considerably cheaper base trim.
The 911 has a smaller trunk, but its cramped backseat can double up as storage space – the R8 is strictly a two-seater – giving it more usable room for your personal effects.
Audi R8 vs. Nissan GT-R as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
R8 and GT-R have an all-wheel-drive drivetrain that provides extra traction when conditions demand it. Still, the low ground clearance makes them unsuitable daily drivers in regions with heavy snowfalls.
Both offer relatively comfortable rides considering their high-performance orientation, but the GT-R outdoes the R8 as an everyday car:
- Slightly higher fuel efficiency.
- Recommended (rather than required) premium gas in pre-2016 GT-Rs.
- Lower repair and maintenance costs.
- Taller and more upright body, which helps getting in and climbing out of the car.
The R8 is visually more attractive – interior and exterior – but you pay more than a GT-R at comparable trim and model year.
Audi R8 vs. Other Daily Drivers
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Audi R8 | 420-562-hp | 17 | $1,123 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Nissan GT-R | 480-565-hp | 19 | $920 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Porsche 911 | 247-379-hp | 23 | $1,072 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| Nissan 370z | 332 hp | 22 | $504 | NA | NA | Poor | Poor |
| Ford Focus RS | 350-hp | 22 | $569+ | NA | 5/5 | Good | Poor |
| Chevy Camaro | 275-323-hp | 22 | $585 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Challenger | 250-305 hp | 23 | $650 | 3.2/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Charger | 178-300 hp | 23 | $652 | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| Subaru WRX | 230-271-hp | 23 | $682 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228-hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good | Average |
| Ford Mustang | 145-310 hp | 24 | $709 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| VW Golf R | 288-315-hp | 24 | $903 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| VW Golf GTI | 210-228-hp | 27 | $791 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181-hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Honda-Civic-Type-R | 306-hp | 25 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205-hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic | 110-158-hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
The Nissan 370Z has poorer visibility than the R8, but it has a higher fuel efficiency, cheaper upkeep, and lower purchase price.
Pony cars like the Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger may not be like-for-like comparisons. Still, they have come a long way in improving ride comfort for daily driving – especially the Camaro.
They are considerably cheaper to buy and own and are a thrill to drive.
Enter affordable performance cars like the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX, and Subaru BRZ, and you find improved visibility and fuel economy compared to thoroughbred sports cars like the R8.
The Focus RS and WRX also have an AWD drivetrain but at one-quarter of the R8’s price.
The Subaru BRZ is one of the better high-performance daily drivers with agreeable ride quality and balanced and forgiving handling, making for an easy and fun drive.
Both VW Golf R and GTI outperform the Audi R8 as better daily drivers with superior ride comfort, a considerably stronger fuel economy, and appreciably enhanced visibility.
The Volkswagens are hatchbacks, offering superior storage room and daily practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
As the Mazda MX-5 Miata is also a two-seater, it is a compelling and cheaper alternative to the Audi R8.
The Miata is one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars yet is incredibly fun to drive.
There’re reasons why the Miata is the best-selling two-seater sports car in history, so you should test-drive one to find out.
The Honda Civic Type R and Civic Si are significantly cheaper than the R8 – and aren’t apples-to-apples comparisons – but they are superb daily drivers.
They offer extra horsepower over regular economy sedans.
Those sportier Civics’ handling is sharp and responsive, so you can enjoy daily driving without breaking the bank.
A regular Honda Civic is one of the best everyday cars – but if you need those extra horses for performance driving, the Civic Si and Type R fulfill that requirement.
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