2009 Audi R8 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 9.2 out of 10

Browse Used Listings
What’s this?

What’s this? X

Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Marty Padgett

Editorial Director BIO

Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

LATEST ARTICLE
30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Photo Gallery
Our month with the 2013 Ram 1500 is about half over, so it's time to switch gears. The Ram's been... Read More

#5LEADERBOARD RANK
5163ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
111COMMENTS POSTED

Dec 19, 2008

Looks are deceptive.

Although the R8 has an appearance that fits right in with Italian exotics, it isn't so much a competitor to the likes of the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, as both of those vehicles appeal to a niche group of affluent enthusiasts and collectors who don't expect as much practicality in a vehicle and will wait in line for years for delivery.

The Gran Turismo has a larger cabin and a backseat that's large enough for small adults, along with a distinctly Italian style, though it's heavier than the especially nimble R8; unless you’re with enthusiasts in the know, it probably won’t turn heads as much as the R8 either.

The Aston is similarly heavier, exclusive, and luxurious, and it's a great grand-touring vehicle.

The Porsche 911 remains arguably the most practical choice in the group, with its more spacious front and rear cargo areas, and an enviable record for safety--provided you don't think 911s are a dime a dozen.

2009 Audi R8 Browse Used Listings	2009 Ford Mustang Browse Used Listings	2009 Porsche 911 Browse Used Listings	2009 Lamborghini Gallardo Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
9.2 The 2009 Audi R8 looks and sounds like an exotic, but is more livable and drivable than its raging-bull cousin.	7.4 The 2009 Ford Mustang is a sport coupe that won’t appeal to everyone, but some will appreciate its retro style and power-over-poise attitude.	9.2 The 2009 Porsche 911 is in a class of its own, and if you have your heart set on one, there's very little else to compare it to.	8.8 The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is an edgy supercar with a better grip on the world.
MSRP From
$114,200	$20,430	$76,300	$198,000
Gas Mileage
12 MPG City / 19 MPG Hwy	14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V8	Gas V6	Gas Flat 6-cyl	Gas V10
EPA Class
Compact	Subcompact	Mini-Compact	Two Seater
Style Name
2dr Coupe 4.2L Man quattro	2dr Coupe	2dr Coupe Carrera	2dr Coupe LP560-4
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
2	4	4	2
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
2 Door Coupe	2 Door Coupe	2 Door Coupe	2 Door Coupe
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual w/OD	NA