JUST IN: Porsche 911 Turbo vs. Audi R8 vs. Aston Martin V8 Vantage (Car & Driver)

JUST IN: Porsche 911 Turbo vs. Audi R8 vs. Aston Martin V8 Vantage (Car & Driver)
In the latest C/D, these three beautiful sports cars were compared. Placing and comments:

1st Place- Audi R8

Highs: Ballet-dancer balance and grace, eager responses, telepathic steering, internal combustion rarely sounds better.

Lows: Proportions awkward from some angles, uncomfortable dead-pedal height, blind in the rear quarters.

Verdict: Sports-car perfection from an unexpected source.

2nd Place- Porsche 911 Turbo

Highs: Omigawd thrust, never-fade brakes, limpet grip, gorgeous interior treatment, maximum Porsche mystique.

Lows: Spooky at the limits of adhesion, high interior noise leves, Prussian ride quality, snoot scrapes on driveway ramps.

Verdict: For 911 addicts who have no wish to be cured, Porsche Strum und Drang just don't get any better than this.

3rd Place- Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Highs: Appealingly edgy update on classic Gt-coupe shape, smooth operator on rough pavement, irresistable V8 growl.

Lows: A bit too much body roll, nervous under hard braking, short on muscle among these heavy lifters.

Verdict: A stylish GT sophisticate that's a little out of its depth among these thoroughbreads.

---

Notable quotes from the article:

Audi R8-

"Few cars provide a more intense feeling of partnership with their pilots, regardless of price. As one tester observed, the R8 'makes every driver a hero.'"

Porsche 911 Turbo-

"The well of torque--505 pound feet--seems bottomless, with a curve as flat and endless as Nebraska."

Aston Martin V8 Vantage-

"The Audi turns more heads with its radical looks and LED eyeliners, but the Aston Martin is a classic beauty, with enough creases and character detailing to keep it current."

That is all. Pick up the latest issue of C/D to read more.

S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/1/2007 9:39:20 PM
+3 Boost
Sorry for any typos- I did put it in by hand, after all.

BTW, I don't understand their comment on the Turbo's interior. It's functional and attractive, but "gorgeous?" Especially compared to the beautiful interiors of their AM and R8 testers, it looks pretty drab. Hmm...


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/2/2007 3:20:20 AM
+1 Boost
You can make the 911 Turbo's interior very very nice indeed. And you don't have to go to Porsche Exclusive to achieve that. After all it's a typical Porsche interior with a bit of a retro feel to it.

But I think the R8 has the most beautiful interior here.

Personally I don't think the R8 sounds loud enough, it's sound nice but I still prefer the V8 Vantage. A stock 911 Turbo sounds a bit boring. It needs a sports exhaust!


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/2/2007 3:22:45 AM
-1 Boost
"eager responses, telepathic steering"

Strange. All the reviews I've read state that the R8 doens't steer quite as nicely as the Porsche.



bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 6/2/2007 12:48:08 PM
0 Boost
yeah i agree any review ive read on the r8 saids its not the sports car the 911 is, it drives more like a gt, now car and driver is saying a car that competes with the gallardo, is beaten by the r8 that doesnt make any sense, and neither does putting the v8 vantage in this comparision its a 911 base competitor, not a turbo fighter, as is the r8. the r8 is probably better suited as a daily driver than the turbo, as most reviews say that, a 911 carrera 4s should have been the porsche to beat here, but i guess car and driver had to give review unlike everyone elses


richardp996richardp996 - 6/2/2007 1:07:37 PM
+2 Boost
I agree with the tone of the Turbo is a bit subdued. I think the Porsche Sports-exhaust is good but I prefer something from Tubi-Style and Europipe.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/2/2007 1:13:04 PM
+1 Boost
Sevor and bmrdrvr- Something tells me that the C4S has better handling than the Turbo, as the Turbo is more of the GT 911 and the C4S has more purity to it. For ultimate Porsche-ness, though, there's only the GT3 and GT2.

bmrdrvr, I disagree with what you said about the R8 and its 911 competition. I think that it is better suited to the Turbo than the C4S, as (like I said) the Turbo is probably a better everyday driver and the C4S is better suited to be a weekend toy, or even the C2S. None of them are uncomfortable to drive every day, though.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/2/2007 1:49:58 PM
+1 Boost
S4, why would you think the C4S is the better handling car?

In my opinion the 911 Turbo is the only supercar here that you can use EVERY day. That's one of its big strengths! I'm sure the R8 is also very very good as a daily driver as well as the Vantage.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 6/2/2007 5:00:10 PM
0 Boost
but that makes no sense, the 911 turbo being the daily driver and the c4s being a toy, the c4s with a non turbo 6, and awd, sounds more like a daily driver than a 500hp and torque twin turbo rear wheel drive sports car. the turbo of course is alot faster than the audi and aston as this car isnt competition for these cars, it will take a v10 or turbo v8 r8 to get the numbers in power and speed that the turbo or upcoming gt2 will have. the c4 and c4s are the cars that compete with the vantage and r8. which is why the turbo is being tested against the upcoming japanese supercars, it has supercar not gt numbers


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/2/2007 9:36:17 PM
-1 Boost
bmrdrvr, the 911 Turbo has AWD.


dlindlin - 6/2/2007 11:29:31 PM
+2 Boost
This is so funny, it is clearly another bogus test by C/D's not so good test driver.

In Best Motoring of 03/2006, Keiichi Tsuchiya lapped Willow Spring in 1:29.55 in a car with less than 300 horsepower, Cayman S. Does that mean 295 hp Cayman is faster than 420 hp R8, or even 480 hp 911 Turbo?

Show me the Nurburgring laptime!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/3/2007 12:59:43 AM
0 Boost
dlin, power isn't everything. The Cayman is lighter and more tossable than any of the sports cars above, and probably easier to take to the track.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/3/2007 3:33:46 AM
+1 Boost
bmwdrvr, I said supercar. A Porsche C4S is not a supercar in my opinion. It's quick alright but not supercar-like fast as the Turbo.


dlindlin - 6/3/2007 3:37:52 PM
-1 Boost
Where did I even imply power counts? Although you can't deny power either. All I'm saying is this is a bogus testing favoring AUDI for whatever reason. R8 is a very positive move for car market, though I don't see any reason to put AWD on a mid engine to kill the fun.

Anyway, I don't think it can out run a 911 Turbo. I'll only be convinced if R8 lapped the Nurburgring faster than 7:40. Maybe AUDI should consider borrowing Walter Rohl from Porsche.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 6/5/2007 9:43:44 AM
0 Boost
and whats your point the r8 is not a supercar, i repeat it is not a super car and neither the gallardo its based on the murcielago is. the r8for all its worth is a gt styled like an exotic


MBKingMBKing - 6/2/2007 7:22:43 AM
+3 Boost
Just wait till the next version of the V8 Vantage...


GermanNutGermanNut - 6/2/2007 10:34:39 AM
0 Boost
Nothing new here with the Audi R8 taking down the Porsche 911.

I have only read two articles (Edmunds and Autozeitung) where the Porsche 911 defeated the Audi R8.

I have read 5 articles from Car and Driver, Motortrend, Evo and two more mags where the R8 defeated the (11.


LexusLexus - 6/2/2007 3:42:12 PM
+1 Boost
Even thought the Aston Martin didn't win this comparison I would still choose over the Porsche 911 turbo and Audi R8.

Out of the three the Aston Martin V8 Vantage has the meaniest and loudest engine. As for look,

1st, Aston Martin V8 Vantage
2rd, Audi R8
3rd, Porsche 911 turbo


chewychewy - 6/2/2007 7:16:05 PM
+4 Boost
The Aston Martin V8 is a weak V8.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/2/2007 9:38:05 PM
+2 Boost
Hardly! The V8 Vantage has a healthy 380hp- suitable for an "entry-level" Aston Martin.

BTW, "Lexus," no, the AM doesn't have the "meaniest" engine. That would be the 911 Turbo, followed by the R8. If you recalibrate the exhaust on either of those monsters, or get a turbo upgrade on the Porsche, the exhaust would be much sweeter than on the already-hot Aston Martin.


MonkMonk - 6/2/2007 10:31:15 PM
0 Boost
I agree, Aston Martin definitely has the best looks
then Porsche then Audi
Yeah, Porsche is king here in terms of driving though
Just for the style and image, I would take an Aston Martin over an Audi
but I would have to think about deciding between an AM or Porsche


chewychewy - 6/3/2007 12:07:40 AM
+2 Boost
It is pretty weak compared to the V8 in the R8. Or the turbo in the 911. Weakest engine in the comparo, but yes not bad of course when compared to most cars. But weak and last in this comparison.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/3/2007 1:03:09 AM
+1 Boost
Monk, wait until you see the R8 on the road, because I can tell you haven't yet. In pictures, it doesn't look nearly as amazing as it does in person. I was blown away when I saw it drive by me one day- it simply kills the Porsche and the Aston in terms of looks, making them both seem old and out-of-touch.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/3/2007 3:36:42 AM
+4 Boost
I hear you S4. The R8 is just staggeringly good looking! Photos don't do it any justice! It looks a bit out of proportion in some pictures. But in real life it's gorgeous.

My Audi dealer has one and it's actually a very small car in terms of length.


LexusLexus - 6/2/2007 9:52:54 PM
+4 Boost
Since Aston Martin is under new ownership now, I wonder if they are going to add more hp to all their models. I think it would be really nice to bring the V8 Vantage hp up to 450hp. The DB9 up to 600hp and the Vanquish up to 660hp+ and of course the Rapide 700hp


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/3/2007 1:02:02 AM
+3 Boost
700hp Rapide? What are you on?! At the highest possible output, I'd say 550hp! What I like about AM is that they're not all about power- they don't try to play horsepower games with M/RS/AMG and Ferrari/Lambo. They are more dedicated to elegant, livable, fast grand tourers that have that "just right" balance of performance and luxury.


investor27investor27 - 6/2/2007 11:18:57 PM
+1 Boost
The Porsche Turbo is not a twin turbo, is it?


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/3/2007 3:38:47 AM
+1 Boost
It's a twin-turbo set-up with VGT. The second petrol car to have variable turbo geometry. But it's the first production car.

I believe the first one was American.


LexusLexus - 6/3/2007 3:52:59 AM
-2 Boost
S4, are you mentally retarded or something? the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is underpower in this segment. If I was in the market for a Aston Martin V8 Vantage, I want more hp for my Aston Martin.

S4, haven't you read the lastest news up here about Aston Martin new boss saying he will add a McLaren SLR fighter. It was posted up here on this website I belief last week. He was saying Aston Martin will have a 600+ or 700+hp super Aston Martin to compete with the like of Ferrari, Lambo and McLaren.

If you don't belief me do a search on this website and find out for yourself.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/3/2007 5:18:38 AM
+3 Boost
1) S4 is NOT mentally retarded
2) you are
3) V8 Vantage is not underpowered, it fits right in between.

The real competitors of the V8 Vantage are the Audi R8 (420 hp) and the Porsche 911 Carrera (4)S (355 hp to 381 hp). Perhaps one can put the Corvette in there too.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/3/2007 11:11:28 AM
+2 Boost
"Lexus," thanks for the insult. I don't feel I really deserved it, but okay...

What you said was just speculation. To put 700hp in a sedan is, to me, everything against what Aston Martin stands for. They make beautiful cars that DON'T try to one-up everyone else in terms of power. They're still fantastic to drive and to own, but they don't really have a need to enter the horsepower war. Not to say 380hp (or 450, in the DB9's case) isn't a lot- just not quite as much as competitors. And it should stay that way, IMO.


M53RM53R - 6/3/2007 9:22:09 AM
+1 Boost
I agree with the ranking, but I think the porsche is ugly. I just hate that 100 year old look on it. Why cant those lazy porsche designers think of something new? It really kills the car!


Agent63Agent63 - 6/3/2007 5:17:11 PM
+1 Boost
But the company still lives on strong with lots of money. It's just tradition. If they redesigned it it would no longer look like a Porsche. People buy it for it's engineering and its function.


LexusLexus - 6/3/2007 8:36:05 PM
+1 Boost
Sevor, are you mentally ill? I'm not talking to you, the Aston Martin V8 is underpower in it segment. The Jaguar XKR has 420 hp and Audi R8 420hp as well.

After all, the Aston Martin is in the super sportcar category, I would like it to have more hp.




LexusLexus - 6/3/2007 8:42:01 PM
-1 Boost
S4, I can relate from you point of view, but look at Lexus recently. Last year everyone up here were saying that Lexus will NEVER make a 500hp sportcar. But now look at them, they currently test driving their Lexus LF-A with 570+ hp.

I think anything is possible especially it is now under new ownership. Wouldn't be great to paid the same price for a V8 Vantage but have 50hp more under the hood?

I think it really hard for Aston Martin to ignore the horse power war. I mean everyone is upping hp for sportcars. Audi has several sportcars that have more hp than the V8 Vantage. So does the MB and BMW and now Lexus and Nissan join the rank as well.


Agent63Agent63 - 6/4/2007 3:40:03 AM
+1 Boost
Horsepower is not the only ingredient to make a successful sports car. There is more to driving than sheer horsepower packed under the hood.

I see horsepower less important than overall functionality of the car. With a lot of horsepower it does not always mean it's a quicker car around a track. It may not even mean it can be faster from 0-60. There are many aspects to look out for. I don't doubt Lexus capabilities as Toyota had the Supra which I loved very much.

Aston has enough power for that niche market they make them for. The V8 is in no way a slow car but it doesn't pack as much punch like its rivals. However the consumers looking for a car in that price range may not necessarily be looking for all that power.

The engine sounds awesome along with its satisfactory ride comfort. Afterall it is the baby Aston in the range. When you get to the higher models they are not slow at all but they were never meant to be Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, so on and so forth. They are more ultra luxury-sport. Unlike the other super cars out there they aren't pure racing bred unless you drive one of their models that are made for the track that is totally different than what we're discussing.

Eventually the horsepower war will die down again like it did in the 60's but like I said horsepower isn't the sole key to making a great sports car.

The example PORSCHE 911:
Horsepower (SAE): 245 bhp
0 - 60 mph: 4.8 s

now that's an impressive number with 245bhp. Plus look at what size engine it is and where it is placed. Porsche has found the formula to make good sports cars.


Agent63Agent63 - 6/4/2007 3:44:16 AM
0 Boost
By the way those numbers are from the Porsche Canada website. I haven't driven the base 911 before but I have the Turbo. The number seemed kind of low for 4.8 as it says 325 on the US website. Either way with 325BHP it performs well.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/5/2007 12:16:21 AM
+1 Boost
"Last year everyone up here were saying that Lexus will NEVER make a 500hp sportcar. But now look at them, they currently test driving their Lexus LF-A with 570+ hp."

And you know this, how? This is all speculation, I hope you realize.

Read Agent63's excellent comment on how no matter how much power the LF-A has, it must be great to drive to really succeed.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/5/2007 12:19:35 AM
0 Boost
Agent63, if you're still reading this, I have news. The July 2007 issue of Motor Trend has been released, and in it is a superb, long article about an R8 road trip. There isn't much more about the car than there is about where they travel and what people say about the car, but they sum it up beautifully, and it made me fall in love with the R8 again. I might just have to take the plunge and get on the list next year. It's hard to resist!


Agent63Agent63 - 6/5/2007 2:21:50 AM
0 Boost
Get it! it is a beautiful car what can I say.

I decided to keep the S550 because it'll compliment my future R8 better than the LS. The LS I will miss though. It drives very well and is a great daily driver I give it all my respect.

In the next few years I may purchase a Lexus again but we will see. I think the second coming of a Lexus in my garage will most likely be a GS because it is my favorite car from the brand.

As for the Merc, the CL550 seems like a good trade off . But I will keep it for another couple years at least since I will have a 2 door. Right away after I went to Audi.. other possible cars came up into mind. I would have even considered the F430 or Gallardo but backed away from that idea since their too common where I live.


LexusLexus - 6/5/2007 10:35:44 PM
0 Boost
Agent63, when you're done with your PMS circle than we talk sweetie;)

Shut Up, I'm done talking yet, what freaking dweeb. Do you have any proof you own any of this car? And picture of car in your friend/dad garage Does Not count.


LexusLexus - 6/5/2007 10:37:22 PM
0 Boost
Agent63, you come up here on the internet and brag about the cars you own. Is your way of trying to compensate for having a small whinnie? I hope not, because driving expansive cars does increase your whinnie size.


TheGeniusTheGenius - 6/6/2007 11:44:15 PM
+1 Boost
Guys, check out this R8 /911 drifting video


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxmo3LoXN3o&mode=related&search=
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