Article Comments - 2008 Audi R8 vs. 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo

25 messages, Last post on Jan 25, 2008 at 5:13 PM

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What is this discussion about? Porsche 911, Audi R8, Coupe

Article comments for Comparison Test: 2008 Audi R8 vs. 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo - Aside from their six-figure price tags, no two cars could be more different than the new 2008 Audi R8 and the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo. And yet here we are at the drag strip of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a shiny, new example of each. (more)

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#6 of 25 Re: Is the Cayman the real rival? [rjlaero] by habitat1 Mar 13, 2007 (6:19 pm)
Replying to: rjlaero (Mar 13, 2007 1:52 pm) "The R8 kills any 911 or Cayman in looks, though." Beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder. That said, IMO the Audi is NOT what I would ever consider a good looking car. The exterior looks like it was designed by a uncooperative committee of young CAD dependent computer geeks and old farts who spent their youth playing Rock em Sock em Robots. Having as much "presence" as the over the top "fast and furious" Lamborghini models of late may be a quality some admire. Not me. And the Audi design doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of ever being as classy, beautiful or enduring as anything that came out of Ferrari, even on Enzo's worst days. If you really want to have "presence" - and world class performance - save your $120k, borrow or steal another $50k and buy a Ferrari 430 coupe. You'll make big money on the resale. Or, if you really want to have exquisite creature comforts in a 2 seater, buy the much better looking Aston Martin V8. Or if you really like the discombobulated look, save $45-65k and get a Lotus Exige or Dodge Viper if that's your cup of tea. But $120k+ for the Audi is, IMHO, a horrible waste of money for an ugly car with mediocre performance (by $100k+ sports car standards). Like I said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I respect that some may see it in the R8, just not me. Replies to this message: rjlaero (Mar 15, 2007 4:58 am) habitat1 (Mar 15, 2007 10:56 am) rjlaero (Mar 15, 2007 11:49 am) and 1 more...
#7 of 25 Re: Is the Cayman the real rival? [habitat1] by rjlaero Mar 15, 2007 (4:58 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 13, 2007 6:19 pm) Well, the 911 T has 480 hp, 60 more than the R8. Several car magazines have done 0-60 in 4 seconds flat for the 420hp R8. The numbers are quite impressive for the power and how good of an every day driver it's reported to be. Replies to this message: habitat1 (Mar 15, 2007 10:56 am) rjlaero (Mar 15, 2007 11:49 am) habitat1 (Mar 15, 2007 1:00 pm)
#8 of 25 Re: Is the Cayman the real rival? [rjlaero] by habitat1 Mar 15, 2007 (10:56 am)
Replying to: rjlaero (Mar 15, 2007 4:58 am) One of those same magazines did 0-60 in 3.9 for the non-turbo 911S coupe, which runs $85k. Performance isn't my objection as much as looks. The Audi looks like a Cadillac designer snuck a few lines in the CAD system. Just not for me. And I really don't get the suggestion that the Audi is a better daily driver than a 911. I've logged 12,400 miles in my 911S Cab over the past 17 months, during which time i've only put 3,000 miles on my Acura TL 6-speed. And my duaghters have logged more miles in the back seat of my 911 than 95% of drivers would put on an R8. Again, haven't been in one, but sitting in a Lambo or even the much better Ferrari 430, the visability sucks, it's two seats, and the maneuverability around town is tough. My daughters refer to our 911 as the "family car". Maybe Edmunds should interview them the next time. Replies to this message: rjlaero (Mar 15, 2007 11:49 am) habitat1 (Mar 15, 2007 1:00 pm)
#9 of 25 Re: Is the Cayman the real rival? [habitat1] by rjlaero Mar 15, 2007 (11:49 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 15, 2007 10:56 am) You are correct about that, but good luck getting any 911 coupe for under 100k new. Porche nickels and dimes you for every little thing, and it's hard to not add 15-20k worth of options on any 911 to get the way you really want it. I don't see any Caddy in the R8 lines. I think if you took a staw sample of 100 people, 95 would say the R8 is a drop dead gorgeous car. But you'll never please everybody on styling. Replies to this message: habitat1 (Mar 15, 2007 1:00 pm)
#10 of 25 Re: Is the Cayman the real rival? [rjlaero] by habitat1 Mar 15, 2007 (1:00 pm)
Replying to: rjlaero (Mar 15, 2007 11:49 am) "You are correct about that, but good luck getting any 911 coupe for under 100k new. Porche nickels and dimes you for every little thing, and it's hard to not add 15-20k worth of options on any 911 to get the way you really want it." I think your pricing on the 911 coupe is a little pessimistic. My new 2005 911S Cabriolet carried an MSRP of $102.8k and I got it for $92k even as the 2006's were heading over on the boat. It had $13k worth of options that included more items (sport exhaust, aluminum sill plates, etc.) than I would have ordered, but because of the great discount, I took them. The base MSRP for a 2007 911 Coupe is $72,400, the 911S Coupe is $82,600. Even with $10,000 worth of options and a pretty average $5k discount, you would be at $78k +/- for a 911 coupe and $10,000 more for an "S" model. Or less, since the S already includes some standard features not found on the base car (Xenons, 19" wheels, etc.) in addition to the bigger engine. I'm not trying to sell anyone on the 911. But from a performance standpoint, it will match or beat the Audi for about $35k less (going with an "S" model), and give you room to pop your kids in the back, if you have them. If I was intent on getting a 2 seat sports car with power and looks that are beyond compare, the Ferrari 430 for $50k more than the Audi is just light years ahead of it. In all respects: looks (IMO), performance, prestige (if that matters), heritage. I have no doubt that the R8 will sell, as looks are subjective and there is always somebody that wants to be "different". But in this case, I don't personally think different is better.
#11 of 25 911 Turb0 by circlew Mar 17, 2007 (3:56 pm)
So, it seems we are comparing the ultimate comuter sports car here. Habitat, can you comment on the AWD vs. std rwd 911? I know many purists look down on AWD but it seems that premium coveted rides are now available with this technology. Audi has got this down but I was interested in the difference with real world owners. Regards, OW Replies to this message: habitat1 (Mar 18, 2007 4:43 am) circlew (Mar 18, 2007 10:49 am) chrmdome (Jun 23, 2007 7:45 pm) spiritinthesky (Jun 24, 2007 4:56 am)
#12 of 25 Re: 911 Turb0 [circlew] by habitat1 Mar 18, 2007 (4:43 am)
Replying to: circlew (Mar 17, 2007 3:56 pm) "comment on the AWD vs. std rwd 911?" From my perspective: AWD advantages: AWD gives you better wet weather traction (although I have driven my C2S in moderate to heavy rain at normal highway speeds and it felt solid and stable). Neither a C2S or C4S, with their wide rear tires and low ground clearance, makes a great snowmobile, IMO, but in a pinch the C4 will be better. There are mixed opinions as to whether the AWD gives you better dry pavement handling. The traction is probably better at the limits (i.e. ability of front wheels to take over upon slippage), but offset by the added weight and less nimble feeling, IMO. RWD advantages: Quicker - due both to the lighter weight and higher drivetrain efficiency. More nimble - perhaps subjective on my part, but I felt the lighter weight was an advantage in quick transitions (spirited driving, but not at the limits). Less expensive - $5,800 price difference, plus some long term maintenance savings. Bigger trunk (no drive train intrusion). I bought my 911 C2S Cab with the intention that it would be my "sports car" to supplement, but not completely replace, my TL. As such, I paid extra for the "S" package to get the bigger engine, standard PASM and more performance upgrades. I know of others that think any 911 offers ample performance and went the opposite direction with a non-S C4 to maximize driving capabilities under all road conditions - and are equally happy with their decision. In comparing other cars in 2005 like the Audi S4 vs the BMW M3, I found the BMW to be objectively far and away the more nimble, sportier car. But with the 911, the comparison comes down more to subjective personal preferences. Replies to this message: circlew (Mar 18, 2007 10:49 am)
#13 of 25 Re: 911 Turb0 [habitat1] by circlew Mar 18, 2007 (10:49 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 18, 2007 4:43 am) Thanks. My neighbor has the Caymen S and loves it. I tend to consider AWD due to the traction advantages but on a sports car, I will be keen to feel the differences as you suggest. I will begin test drives this spring. This is going to be fun and thanks for your help and feedback. Regards, OW
#14 of 25 R8: style over substance by w210 Mar 19, 2007 (7:06 am)
Pretty average performance for the price. Only 317 lbs of torque to move the 3450 lbs car means lots of revving required. Performance wise, very insightful and interesting to compare it to a Cayman. I have to disagree with the Edmunds article- the R8 has a rather fussy design (the Gallardo looks much better) if you ask me. Similar to the Audi TT, quite an example of handbag on wheels. LED lights framing the engine bay is one of the options offered. What's so special about the 4.2 V8 FSI, it's found in the significantly cheaper RS4 at almost half the price. A $66k car engine in a $120k 'super car'.
#15 of 25 Audi Quality/Owner Experience by joemama3 Mar 20, 2007 (1:12 pm)
Hello, I have many friends who have owned Porsches, BMWs and Audis. While the Porsche and BMW people are all very happy with their purchase decision and the dealer experience, the Audi folks almost always have a experience as follows: - When they get the car: "Run's great", "Best car I have ever driven, Great value for the features, etc. etc." - After one year: "Love the car, however, it has been in the shop quite a bit" - After two years: "I don't have time to keep messing with this, I'm getting a new car and not an Audi" Now I see that Audi is decontenting the service in the US such that they do not cover everything like BMW does for the 50,000 mile warranty. Also, my mechanic says that Audi parts are incredibly high priced. Can anyone post any comments on their experience in the US? Audi seems to be making some great products and even appears to be moving away from basing everything on FWD platforms, but I am worried about the quality and do not have time for a fussy car. Thanks in advance, Replies to this message: rjlaero (Mar 21, 2007 1:09 pm)