Sport Auto compares the Audi R8 5.2 V10 coupe to the Porsche 991 Turbo - Hockenheim track and straightline comparison

[Sticky]

German publication Sport Auto did a comparison between the facelifted R8 5.2 V10 that now has a dual clutch S-Tronic gearbox and the new Porsche 911 Turbo. Both vehicles feature all wheel drive drivetrains with dual clutch transmissions. The main difference is that the R8 has a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V10 whereas the Porsche 911 Turbo has a twin turbocharged 3.8 liter flat-6. The R8 also has a mid-engine layout to the Porsche 911's traditional rear engine layout.

So which car do they choose as their favorite? The Porsche 911 Turbo. It's lighter by 170 pounds and just over a full second quicker around the Hockenheim. That is a fairly large difference on a short and tight track.

What about the acceleration? That goes to the 911 Turbo as well with a 1.2 second faster 0-200 km/h (124 miles per hour) sprint. They also get a blistering quick 3.1 second 0-60 run out of the 911 Turbo which is more than a half second better than the R8.

The 911's braking is better, the slalom figure is better, really all the measurables are better. What about the price difference? That would be the only area where these cars are even. Realistically one can not go wrong with either of these but if performance is the primary concern the 911 Turbo is better in that respect. With the next generation R8 coming soon based on the Lamborghini Huracan the new lighter R8 V10 should pose a much more formidable match up.

2nd place: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro S-tronic

• Tyres: Pirelli P Zero Corsa R02 (semi-slicks)
• Gearbox: 7-speed-double-clutch
• Weight: 1690 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 3,7 s
• 0-200 km/h: 11,7 s
• 80-120 km/h in 5th/6th gear: 5,0 s/6,7 s
• 18 m slalom: 70,7 km/h
• Hockenheimring Short: 1:10,8 min
• Braking (100-0 km/h), warm: 34,6 m (-1,14 G)
• Price as tested: €184.855,-

1st place: Porsche 911 Turbo

• Tyres: Dunlop Sport Maxx Race (semi-slicks)
• Gearbox: 7-speed-double-clutch
• Weight: 1613 kg
• 0-100 km/h: 3,1 s
• 0-200 km/h: 10,5 s
• 80-120 km/h in 5th/6th gear: 4,0 s/5,1 s
• 18 m slalom: 73,1 km/h
• Hockenheimring Short: 1:09,6 min
• Braking (100-0 km/h), warm: 32,9 m (-1,19 G)
• Price as tested: €184.421,-

[Adrenacide]

That looks like so much fun!

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

They also wrote that the R8 is a lot of fun to drive and has much better sound. But the Turbo is certainly faster in every discipline - no surprise considering the R8 in this form has been out for quite a while now.

[Sticky]

They also wrote that the R8 is a lot of fun to drive and has much better sound. But the Turbo is certainly faster in every discipline - no surprise considering the R8 in this form has been out for quite a while now.

Well it did get a dual clutch update but I guess it is time for the new R8.

[leveraged sellout]

Well, makes sense. 991 is phenomenal. I'd probably take it too. Especially since you can't get a stick in either one now. The Turbo is prettier too. But that V10 does sound nice.