Top Gear: Audi R8 vs Porsche Carrera S - Clarkson vs Hammond

I'd probably end up with a 911. A Carrera 2S with Tequipment kit that bumps the power to 381 and the redline to about 7650 rpm. Interior fully Porsche exclusive.

I would get the 911. For me the style is timeless, and this last iteration of the venerable 911 is just the best.

Neither do it for me, don't like those weird things on the side of the Audi. And the Porsche is looking very dated...

I love the carrera 2s, and the sound of that flat six.

I would be happy with either but would choose R8 because it's more "speical".

For what you are really paying for an R8 I would spurge for the GT3. For the engine sound and handling I think it's fabulous. The R8 looks a bit weird. I've no doubt its an excellent car. The GT3,however, is simply sensational.

carrera ftw.

The Audi R8 is an amazing car.

The Porsche Carrera S not only lost in this comparison to the Audi R8, but has also lost to the Audi R8 in at least eight other comparisons.

The R8 is going to get even better with the V10 and I look forward to seeing it defeat the Porsche 911 Turbo in some more comparison tests.

Carrera for the better design and shape. But I love Audi Engines, especially the RS4 V8 they put in the R8. Ultimatly, for me, its the Carrera, its just more pratical (IMO) in a smallllllllll way.

"Practicality" is not why I buy my sports car. R8 all the way... somehow they made it look strange in this video, but it's so, so, so strikingly beautiful in person. It's sex on wheels.

I would, in fact, go as far as to say I'd get it over a 911 Turbo- probably. But it stops there; GT2 is an easy pick over any other sub-$200K car. That doesn't include, however, the F430 and Scuderia, because of their huge markups.

I wouldn't go THAT far... I mean I love Audi but Porsche 911 Turbo IS the most practical supercar that is an engineering showcase. I don't think R8 V8 is close to that. Maybe the V10...maybe..

Wow. I hate the de-boosting system. And I didn't know so many people suddenly hated the R8. It is SO MUCH BETTER than the 911. Maybe not the Turbo, but the ones under it.

The thing about the Turbo is, it looks practical on the surface, and it's blindingly fast, but the rear seats are useless and it probably has less trunk space than the R8.

not everyone love audi like you, its there opinion. The audi is slightly faster on a track due to weight distribution,but the Porsche is quicker in a straight line. Even the c4s beat the r8 in a drag in the fifth gear review. If your in and R8 and you pull up to a c2s at a stop light he will beat you, you can say hey wait..you should have a awd so its fair.

"It is SO MUCH BETTER than the 911."

Wow wow... that's not true. The R8 is magic and overall it is a better car than the 911 but that last one it still unbeaten when it comes to driving feel.

The R8 is not an icon (yet), the 911 has been one for 40 years. It has amazing heritage and prestige. While the 911 will always look good, a totally timesless the design. The R8 with its techno-LED lights will look dated in 7 to 10 years.

I drove both, and the R8 totally blew me away. As a car it's pretty much perfect. More perfect than the 911 (which shouldn't be perfect because that's the whole point of the 911), that's for sure. But nothing beats Porsche steering and gearboxes. But the R8's gearbox and steering are also pretty good, don't get me wrong!

I'll take the Porsche 911 any day over any Audi.

i would take the porsche as well

I would take the Porsche, it does more with less. I dont find the R8 to appealing to me it looks like a lambo with down syndrome.

The Porsche is the more original and authentic sports car.

What state of tune was the 911 in? Did it have the LSD, PCCB, and X51 powerkit options? How about the sport suspension option that lowers the car by 20mm?

I'll take the better car of the two.

i didn't know you were a Porsche fan chewy. Good for you.

This is unsettling. Last month, everyone loved the R8. Now this? Haters.

Don't hate the R8 at all. I just prefer a GT3 for the same money.

I absolutely love Porsches, but the GT3 does not compete against the R8... yeah I know it's the same price, but that is not the issue.
The GT3 was built purposely for the track.
There is no freaking way that you could drive the GT3 every day... it will beat the crap out of you.
On the track it's very, very hard to touch, but for everyday use.... it SUCKS!!
The R8 was designed to be used EVERY DAY and occasionally at the track.
If you want a track car get the GT3... if you want to drive it often get the R8.

I am not too sure if it is all black and white. The current GT3 is not exactly as harsh as the 996 GT3 MKI nor as hardcore. Minus the lower front air dam, I'd think the 997 GT3 is better capable for daily driving given the way it was engineered.

Sure the GT3 shines at racetracks it is pretty friendly on the streets... if the dang front air dam wasn't so low. If you want to see some awesome GT3 owners footage of the current GT3, go to youtube and do a search for Sergini. A highly talented Italian driver with a GT3 modified to the max.

One more thing, to improve the everyday comfort of the GT3 switching out the track-biased Michelins Pilot Sport Cups for something more all-around like the Pilot Sport A/S' does wonders.

If I wanted a weekend toy, the R8 and its not even close. But if I wanted an everyday ride, the 911 (and its not even close). As similar as these cars are, they are very different.

I love the Audi R8, I have no doubt it is superb. Nevertheless, Porsche IMHO will always be the ONE supercar. I am sure the R8 has all the potential to become a supercars icon, but it still has a long way to go before catching up with Porsche in that niche.

What the video's (and for that matter any photos) don't give you is a true sense of just how commanding the R8 is visually. In the flesh, the vehicle looks stunning, and delivers an amazing visual impression. the 911 in any guise is now a very familiar sight, and no matter how beautiful it's design, the Audi will be the more striking presence on the road. Unless of course the design dates too quickly, which it may well...

For me, I don't think they should be compared, they're different enough to ultimately need both ;o)