Audi R8 V10 vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
Compare the Audi R8 V10 vs Porsche 911 Turbo S. The Audi R8 V10 is £30,000 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is 0.5s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Audi R8 V10 is priced from £95,000, powered by a 5.2L V10, producing 602 hp, with 560 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is priced from £175,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo Flat-6, producing 640 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.6s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The Audi R8 V10 offers a 226-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 19 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Porsche 911 Turbo S offers a 128-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Audi R8 V10 is £30,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £1,800 per year in maintenance, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Audi R8 V10 and £90 for the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
Driving Character: Audi R8 V10 vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
The R8 V10 is an endangered species, powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2L engine that delivers a linear, spine-tingling power curve rarely seen in the era of forced induction. Its Quattro all-wheel-drive system provides immense confidence, ensuring that all 602 hp can be deployed effectively regardless of the conditions. While it may lack the tail-happy adjustability of some rear-wheel-drive competitors, its stability at the limit makes it incredibly fast and predictable on track. The steering is light but accurate, allowing the driver to thread this supercar through corners with surgical precision and immense, reliable ease.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S utilises a sophisticated AWD system with active torque vectoring that provides staggering, all-weather performance. It feels deceptively rapid, with a chassis control system that masks its immense power through cornering, yet it ultimately insulates the driver more than the GT-spec siblings, prioritizing crushing point-to-point speed over nuanced steering feel.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Turbo S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 85 against 88. Characteristic of the Audi R8 V10: High-revving naturally-aspirated V10 with reassuring quattro grip. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Immense, effortless all-wheel-drive pace with real depth of ability. In outright terms it is 602 hp against 640 — a 38 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Turbo S reaches 60 mph 0.5s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Audi R8 V10 vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
The cabin prioritises the driver above all else, featuring the innovative Virtual Cockpit which presents vital information without the need for a secondary centre screen. The overall layout is clean, minimalist, and constructed with materials that feel built to last, despite some shared Audi components. Ergonomics are near perfect, placing the gear shifters and driving mode controls exactly where the hands naturally fall. While it may not offer the ornate, bespoke design of some ultra-luxury rivals, it achieves a high level of functional elegance that feels both futuristic and fundamentally sound for a high-performance supercar.
The cabin is remarkably refined for such a potent machine, making it a genuinely usable daily GT car. It features the signature Sport Chrono dial and luxury seating, with all technology packages seamlessly integrated. While the material quality is high, it lacks the bespoke flair or artisanal material choices found in certain Italian rivals at this price point.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Turbo S takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 78 against 84. Characteristic of the Audi R8 V10: Understated, high-quality Audi cabin, one of the easiest supercar interiors to live with. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Supportive, comfortable seats and modern, user-friendly cabin.
Daily Usability: Audi R8 V10 vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
Daily use is surprisingly viable, thanks to the inherent stability of the AWD system, which makes it a capable machine even in inclement weather. The front trunk provides a modest 226L of space, which is enough for a weekend away if packed efficiently. Parking is relatively easy given its mid-engine proportions, although the low ride height and firm suspension can make traversing urban speed bumps a laborious task. It serves as an excellent dual-purpose vehicle, balancing its supercar performance with a level of refinement and reliability that most other machines in its class simply cannot match.
As the most practical 911 variant, the Turbo S offers genuine all-season confidence thanks to its AWD architecture. Its clever combination of a front boot and rear storage allows for meaningful luggage space, though the expansive body width can create significant challenges in tight urban environments. Furthermore, its sheer performance demands regular attention to tyre wear.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Turbo S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 72 against 90. Characteristic of the Audi R8 V10: Widely regarded as the most daily-usable supercar of its generation. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: The most daily-usable supercar on sale — comfortable, quiet, easy to place. that means 226 litres of boot space against 128, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 911 Turbo S, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 Turbo S at the pumps.
Ownership: Audi R8 V10 vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
Owning an R8 is remarkably straightforward for a supercar, as it benefits from the vast Audi dealer network. Routine maintenance costs are a manageable £1,800 annually, which is highly competitive within this segment. Residual values have remained strong as the naturally aspirated V10 gains iconic status in the collector market. While the Quattro driveline does require periodic servicing, the R8 is generally considered a highly reliable piece of engineering. The combination of easy service access and legendary V10 performance makes it a favoured long-term investment for those who value both utility and emotional engagement.
Maintaining a stellar reputation for reliability, this model remains a benchmark for high-performance usability. It commands premium residuals in the used market, consistently holding its value well. However, prospective owners must account for high annual maintenance costs, with the complex PDK transmission and AWD system adding significant weight to long-term service intervals compared to simpler sports cars.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Turbo S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 80 against 88. Characteristic of the Audi R8 V10: Reputation as the most reliable, easiest-to-own supercar in its class. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Exceptionally reliable for a car with supercar performance. On the wallet the two diverge at £95,000 versus £175,000 — a £80,000 difference, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 4yr / 50k mi.