Aug 16, 2007 2:51:36 PM
- Boxster Coupe GTS
- Rennteam Master
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- Loc: UK , United Kingdom
- Posts: 5884, Gallery
- Registered on: Feb 23, 2005
Audi R8 vs 997TT vs F430...
Audi R8 vs 997TT vs F430...
"paradigm shift..."
With the R8, Audi is boldly going where it has never gone before. But can Ingolstadt compete with two marques, Ferrari and Porsche, that have long since occupied the high-end sports-car market?
"Real sports cars make their power where it's needed, near the rear axle. Porsche and Ferrari have known this for decades; their most sporting models have long had their powerplants placed behind the driver. Realizing that, if it wanted to break into the realm of no-questions-asked sports cars, it would have to follow suit, Audi has created the mid-engine R8."
...
"With a push of a starter button in the case of the Ferrari and the twist of a key with the Porsche and Audi, we initiate a virtuoso exchange of greetings between the three sports cars. The Audi announces itself with a low-frequency hum from its 4.2-liter V8, while the Ferrari does so with an aggressive bark from its 4.3-liter V8. These two naturally aspirated powerplants, both on open display in their respective engine bays, are masterworks of modern technology. The Ferrari engine wows with its high specific output-well over 100 horsepower per liter-while the Audi V8 impresses with the efficiency of its direct injection; it consumes the least amount of fuel among the trio. The 911 Turbo's engine, largely hidden from view, awakens with a gravely roar. Once underway, the labored breathing of its 3.6-liter flat-6 isn't all that inspiring-it sounds too distant and reserved. The Porsche's engine note needs a shot of aggression.
First gear, hands on the steering wheel and gas! The R8 raises its voice, squats down in the rear a little and thrusts energetically forward, all four tires biting into the pavement. Bang, second gear, and the V8 drops an octave deeper. After 4.6 seconds, the Audi flies past the 62-mph mark. Unusually for an Audi, the R8 isn't choked off at 155 mph, and is allowed to reach an unrestricted top speed of 187 mph.
The F430 goes about its business in a much more spectacular fashion. Accompanied by screams and cries from the engine compartment, the Ferrari explodes to 62 mph in just 4.0 seconds, and doesn't stop accelerating until it hits 195 mph. With its paddle shifters and the steering wheel-mounted manettino, the F430 gives its pilot a heavy dose of Formula 1 atmosphere.
Those who order a 911 Turbo with an automatic gearbox have to make do with five instead of six gears. But more significantly, ordering Tiptronic robs the driver of some of the involvement that's so crucial to creating a satisfying driving experience, and occasionally patronizes him or her with an untimely upshift. On this score, the clutch pedal-equipped R8 is the most involving car in this test. Its shift throws are short and precise, and accompanied by a satisfying ≥click≤ as the lever move from gate to gate.
However, our Turbo's combination of an automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, as well as a mountain of torque-457 lb-ft versus 343 lb-ft for the F430 and just 317 lb-ft for the R8-makes it a cinch to reach 62 mph in 3.7 seconds (the Tiptronic Turbo is actually quicker than the manual). Though the Turbo is the hardest-accelerating car of the three, the two naturally aspirated cars have it beat in terms of throttle response. Its top speed of 193 mph is also eclipsed by the Ferrari, which can hit 196 mph.
The Porsche excels in the most important discipline, handling. Its sharp responses and unbelievable stability provides the driver with the feeling of near invincibility, as well as the most feedback through the steering wheel. The knife-sharp and relatively lightweight Ferrari also gives its driver incredible contact with the road. Through extremely tight corners, the F430's a bit sharper than the Porsche, thanks in part to its electronically controlled rear differential. Both cars are fitted with adjustable suspension, allowing them to strike a near ideal balance between ride and handling in just about every driving condition."
...
"This test left us with no doubt about Audi's ability to compete in the supercar market. While the R8 falls short of the 911 Turbo and F430 in terms of its dynamic abilities-it lacks the Porsche's outright speed and the Ferrari's sensual allure-it is not far behind. More importantly, it offers a different take on the high-end sports-car theme: The R8 has the exotic appeal of a supercar, yet combines this with the comfort and refinement of a GT. Its lower price also makes it an attractive alternative to the established players."
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p1
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p2
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p3
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p4
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p5
...thanks to Sports Car International!
"paradigm shift..."
With the R8, Audi is boldly going where it has never gone before. But can Ingolstadt compete with two marques, Ferrari and Porsche, that have long since occupied the high-end sports-car market?
"Real sports cars make their power where it's needed, near the rear axle. Porsche and Ferrari have known this for decades; their most sporting models have long had their powerplants placed behind the driver. Realizing that, if it wanted to break into the realm of no-questions-asked sports cars, it would have to follow suit, Audi has created the mid-engine R8."
...
"With a push of a starter button in the case of the Ferrari and the twist of a key with the Porsche and Audi, we initiate a virtuoso exchange of greetings between the three sports cars. The Audi announces itself with a low-frequency hum from its 4.2-liter V8, while the Ferrari does so with an aggressive bark from its 4.3-liter V8. These two naturally aspirated powerplants, both on open display in their respective engine bays, are masterworks of modern technology. The Ferrari engine wows with its high specific output-well over 100 horsepower per liter-while the Audi V8 impresses with the efficiency of its direct injection; it consumes the least amount of fuel among the trio. The 911 Turbo's engine, largely hidden from view, awakens with a gravely roar. Once underway, the labored breathing of its 3.6-liter flat-6 isn't all that inspiring-it sounds too distant and reserved. The Porsche's engine note needs a shot of aggression.
First gear, hands on the steering wheel and gas! The R8 raises its voice, squats down in the rear a little and thrusts energetically forward, all four tires biting into the pavement. Bang, second gear, and the V8 drops an octave deeper. After 4.6 seconds, the Audi flies past the 62-mph mark. Unusually for an Audi, the R8 isn't choked off at 155 mph, and is allowed to reach an unrestricted top speed of 187 mph.
The F430 goes about its business in a much more spectacular fashion. Accompanied by screams and cries from the engine compartment, the Ferrari explodes to 62 mph in just 4.0 seconds, and doesn't stop accelerating until it hits 195 mph. With its paddle shifters and the steering wheel-mounted manettino, the F430 gives its pilot a heavy dose of Formula 1 atmosphere.
Those who order a 911 Turbo with an automatic gearbox have to make do with five instead of six gears. But more significantly, ordering Tiptronic robs the driver of some of the involvement that's so crucial to creating a satisfying driving experience, and occasionally patronizes him or her with an untimely upshift. On this score, the clutch pedal-equipped R8 is the most involving car in this test. Its shift throws are short and precise, and accompanied by a satisfying ≥click≤ as the lever move from gate to gate.
However, our Turbo's combination of an automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, as well as a mountain of torque-457 lb-ft versus 343 lb-ft for the F430 and just 317 lb-ft for the R8-makes it a cinch to reach 62 mph in 3.7 seconds (the Tiptronic Turbo is actually quicker than the manual). Though the Turbo is the hardest-accelerating car of the three, the two naturally aspirated cars have it beat in terms of throttle response. Its top speed of 193 mph is also eclipsed by the Ferrari, which can hit 196 mph.
The Porsche excels in the most important discipline, handling. Its sharp responses and unbelievable stability provides the driver with the feeling of near invincibility, as well as the most feedback through the steering wheel. The knife-sharp and relatively lightweight Ferrari also gives its driver incredible contact with the road. Through extremely tight corners, the F430's a bit sharper than the Porsche, thanks in part to its electronically controlled rear differential. Both cars are fitted with adjustable suspension, allowing them to strike a near ideal balance between ride and handling in just about every driving condition."
...
"This test left us with no doubt about Audi's ability to compete in the supercar market. While the R8 falls short of the 911 Turbo and F430 in terms of its dynamic abilities-it lacks the Porsche's outright speed and the Ferrari's sensual allure-it is not far behind. More importantly, it offers a different take on the high-end sports-car theme: The R8 has the exotic appeal of a supercar, yet combines this with the comfort and refinement of a GT. Its lower price also makes it an attractive alternative to the established players."
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p1
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p2
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p3
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p4
997TT-vs-F430-vs-R8_SCI-article-p5
...thanks to Sports Car International!
