I have only had my Dyson V11 Torque Drive for a few months but I will say it's definitely powerful and has saves me time cleaning throughout the week. If necessary, I could probably do my whole house (5,000 sq. ft) on a single charge in Auto mode which would never happen with the V8. It's significantly more powerful than the Dyson V8 Absolute I have but as others have mentioned, it's also a little heavier. I like that I can see how many minutes I have left when using the machine and how it adjusts when moving from area rugs to hardwood floors. Unlike the general public I understand that it is not a replacement for a corded machine. However, it's fantastic for when I need to clean the main living areas throughout the work week. I still rely on my trusty MD central vacuum and hide a hose for more thorough, weekly cleaning. If I were strapped for cash, it wouldn't be my first choice but it's one of those appliances that's a "nice to have" and by no means a necessity.