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Gents, I've been browsing forever going back and fourth and I have honestly no idea what to pick. I think I care more about styling, features, and tech, than I do about the engine - is there really that much of a noticeable difference between the 6cyl AWD and the 8cyl AWD? I had an Audi S8 for a while and that seemed to have a good bit of power to me, and it has less than both of these models. Are there any major differences between the 2017 and 2018 Models?
I want to pick one of these up this week... which one would you go for? They're all about the same price / mileage. Pro's and Cons?
The V6 is a mad car, whereas the V8 is more of a hooligan. Lots of folks on here think the V6 is the sweet spot of the range as it's lighter and handles more nimbly. The fact they can get the V6 with a manual transmission may sway their opinion, too. although the ZF autobox is excellent. I'd suggest test driving both if you can and see which one floats your boat.
As you've found, choice isn't always a good thing!
Between 6 and R there is a lot of difference in power and noise, also some styling difference (centre pipes for 6, quads for R which also leads to an increase in what you hear as the driver, I think the quads are a lot louder to the driver than the centres, in the coupe at least). Then there is a styling difference between the 17 R and the 18 R (the latter has horizontal vents at the front instead of vertical which gives quite a different look).
You can give the 6 more power and also fit it with quads, at some expense (maybe $5K in the US, it cost a fair bit more for me here but I had to buy everything new and bring it over) and you get an absolutely fantastic car out of that exercise (speaking from experience).
Personally I would buy the car in the colour/trim you like the best, and if it was between the two R's, with the front end you liked the most. Our of the cars you have identified, I'd probably buy the second 6 unless the British design one had a 400hp engine (they might have) which I would take over the 380hp.
I would second the “best optioned/lowest miles. I have a base 6 and to add more to the 6 debate in the real world you won’t notice much difference. Mechanically the 6s are identical. The difference is tune. If you look at the dyno charts the hp difference comes after 5000 rpm. I’ve test driven all 3 flavors of 6 and where I see the difference is on the highway. At 75 my 340 feels muted compared to the higher hp brothers. A VAP tune makes them all equal.
The 8s are on a whole nuther level of crazy hp. In my world I don’t need it. I like the package I have.
Frankly, if you're agnostic about the V6 vs V8 choice, go V6. Then listen to the folks on this board about the V6 choices. The V6 is cheaper to buy, cheaper to insure, running costs are lower too. Also a bit tidier when it comes to handling. Interestingly, I also had an Audi S6 (2016). Fine car with a great motor; however, it simply wasn't exciting (my opinion) to operate....Jag is much more so.
The v6s is a very, very fast car - it is powerful enough to get you into trouble in an instant. The sound is glorious and addictive. It is more car than anyone needs, anywhere. The handling is superb.
The V8s is an absurdly fast car but not as well balanced as the V6; it gives bragging rights but in the real world its power potential cannot be used...and since the OP has stated that the engine is of less interest than other characteristics, the choice should be clear: the V6S.
I had my V6S on the highway for an hour this morning. Now, 6 hours later, I am still smiling about it. What a car!
I have owned a 15 V6S and now a 20 R and will have to politely disagree with some of the comments with regards to the 6 is more than anyone needs and the 8 can’t fully be used.
If that was true we’d all have the 4. While the 6 was great and certainly quick the R is on a whole different level when it comes to torque and acceleration and yes I do exploit it to its fullest on country roads with little or no traffic around. As for handling difference I can say the 8is a little heavier but on the street it’s not a significant difference. I prefer the look of the quad pipes and the sound is gloriously dirty.
Hey to each his own and why I feel the need to comment on why I prefer the R.
Just a counter point and as I said to each his own
Look up Jeremy Clarkson’s review on YouTube. Even mr “power” said the v6 never left him wanting more. I will admit in my younger days I would have been all over the 8 and it’s ludicrous power though.
Perhaps price related but all of these cars have significant mileage.
Others have reported buys with much lower miles.
You might just wait a bit longer or look a little further afield.
Shipping costs are not so high.
In terms of the 6 vs 8, I have the R-Dynamic 380 and though I sometimes wonder what the 8 cylinder would do, this is plenty fast enough for me!!
In fact, I found myself doing 110mph the other day just hitting the gas to overtake!!
I have owned a 15 V6S and now a 20 R and will have to politely disagree with some of the comments with regards to the 6 is more than anyone needs and the 8 can’t fully be used.
If that was true we’d all have the 4. While the 6 was great and certainly quick the R is on a whole different level when it comes to torque and acceleration and yes I do exploit it to its fullest on country roads with little or no traffic around. As for handling difference I can say the 8is a little heavier but on the street it’s not a significant difference. I prefer the look of the quad pipes and the sound is gloriously dirty.
Hey to each his own and why I feel the need to comment on why I prefer the R.
Just a counter point and as I said to each his own
Hi from England.
For sure they'll all go very quick.
For sure they'll all put a smile on your face while your're driving.
So, for me the Ultra Blue Metallic Exterior has to be the one.
It just looks amazing - your smile could be even bigger.
Just changed my Ferrari California T for a 21MY 5 litre - I'm even smiling when I'm asleep!
Atheos, my favorite isn't on your list but I'll chime if for a 14 v8s or 15 R. You may lose a few 10ths of a second, but you will save some money and gain some fun from the insanely overpowered, kick the rear end around models. I respect that this may not be your goal at all, and I concur that a post 2015 model would be a prudent decision.
I have a V6S and used to own a RRS with the V8 prior to this F type. The RRS had some work done and it was probably close to 700 hp. That car was quick and fast. Do I miss the pure HP and torque from that beast? Absolutely, it was amazing. But when I decided to buy an F type I opted for the V6S this time around because I wanted better gas mileage. I know that sounds lame but this is my daily driver and I put a lot of miles on my car. After throwing a few more $$$ at this car, it's up to 450 hp and that's enough for me. I'm pretty happy that the car looks amazing, has just enough HP for me and the overall short and long term cost is much more reasonable.
There are moments that I think about upgrading to the V8 but the grand scheme of things, that would only provide me more HP which would equate to me racing more people, more often. But getting the V6S 0-60 in under 4 seconds doesn't take that much more money..... that's good enough for me.
BTW, I'm near the Bethesda location and would be more than happy to swing by there this weekend and send you a video walk around if you'd like.