Me too. I remember reading the below as I was seriously considering a R8 V10 or a F type SVR so was reading a lot of gibbos older posts.
Tbh the V8 does seem to get great review. Just got to watch for the power drop due to the valve deposits.
Got this in May. A nice change.
forums.overclockers.co.uk
If its your only car, or performance is a priority, then absolutely a V10 or SVR will absolutely destroy an R8 V8. The V8 is no quicker than a 997 Carrera S, whereas a V10 is in a different league, the V10's also don't suffer coking issues that plagues the V8's.
R-Tronic - Avoid, but of course some like it, very much like SMG, Aston speed shift etc. Hydraulic operated clutch, so a manual without a clutch pedal.
S-Tronic - Very good, seamless but not much of an event, 8 ZF in the SVR also very good.
If your considering an R8 V10 or SVR absolutely try to get good seat time in both as they are both brilliant cars but also totally different, the Jaguar is more akin to a British hot rod, will pretty much beat any car off the line and no need for launch control, just smash loud pedal and its off, just avoid the updated cars that got the filters in the exhaust, they sound poor in comparison to the earlier ones, I think early 2018 is ideal as they got updated seats and LED lights, but were still properly loud, might also be cheaper road tax too.
R8 V10, planted and very capable, but for me is also what makes them a bit boring, but if your seeking a gen1 V10 manual, well I'd say that is where any ones sensible money should go, more engaging and in fairness even in manual form its not slow, of course S-Tronic makes going fast silly easy, I'd say the R8 has a sweeter handling balance, feels much lighter car, because it no doubt is and crisper steering feel.
Running cost wise though for the performance an SVR is absolute peanuts and seem to be quite reliable, R8's are more costly but there is plenty of specialist around.