VIDEO: Web Rides TV pits the Audi R8 against the LS3 Corvette
The LS3 Corvette and the Audi R8 are have a similar purpose, but go about their jobs in completely different ways. The 'Vette is all about a big engine, with big power and pushing the rear wheels. The R8 utilizes a high-revving 4.2L V8 and AWD to keep the rubber firmly planted on the pavement. Both vehicles have over 400 hp, weigh in at under 3,500 lbs and have similar 0-60 times, but for the price of one R8 you could by a LS3 and Z06 Corvette.
The car nuts over at Web Rides TV put the two vehicles through a "Super Lap" consisting of a slalom, a straightaway, and two sharp turns to see which vehicle would come out on top. The result produced an entertaining video, some great sounds and a very clear winner. Hit the jump to see it for yourself.
Gallery: Review: 2008 Audi R8
Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
[Source: Web Rides TV]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Daniel 8:02PM (7/14/2008)
The R8 at my dealership is marked at $170,000 dollars. I wonder how much they're actually selling for
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TwinTurboVR4 8:34PM (7/14/2008)
the classic AWD vs RWD test.
but that's really too much of a price difference. The ZR1 would have been more appropriate....yet still cheaper.
madgamer 9:06PM (7/14/2008)
I skim ebay fairly often and you honestly don't really see them for much less than that on there. They are just a LOT more than a ZO6 price wise.
Torrent 9:10PM (7/14/2008)
I still can't believe the ZR-1 is only 100K. I mean Ferraris can have as much power as a base corvette and be 200K, but the base Corvette has as much power as a Ferrari, but still costs 160K less.
I just find it amazing how much of a steal the Corvette is.
The 420 horsepower R8 starts at 109K for the 6 speed model, the R Tronic transmission is 118K, and can top out at 133K fully loaded.
On the other hand, the 46K base corvette with 430 horsepower tops out at 67K fully loaded. I just don't understand why anyone would get an R8 over it.
Even the fully loaded 505 Horsepower Z06 costs 83K- about 26K less than a base R8! So you could buy a Fully loaded Z06 and a Fully loaded Malibu LTZ for the price of a base Audi R8.
Spooky.
Mark 10:54PM (7/14/2008)
i'd never drive a corvette. because everytime i see a corvette theres a old bald guy sitting behind the wheel. a ferrari is a ferrari, you cant compare it to some chevy.
Blah 11:22PM (7/14/2008)
@Torrent
If you were paying attention to the video you would understand that the R8 is not only a better performer but it also offers a more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance, not to mention a fully furnished Audi grade interior not a cheapo plastic interior, and the price difference reflects that. Hand built quality german quality vs mass produced quality.
And price vs performance wise, the same argument can be applied to the GTR, why get a Z06 when a GTR spanks it around the track for relatively the same amount of money (when comparably equipped)? Also offers better everyday usability, nicer interior, more spacious, rear seats, hand built cachet, and superior build quality.
In this price range and type of vehicle. When it comes down to it, people buy the car that makes their blood boil, and their hearts skip a beat, and no amount of track figures can change that.
case 5:28AM (7/22/2008)
@ Mark
So you've NEVER seen an old bald guy driving a Ferrari? That's pretty much a prerequisite for buying one.
I wouldn't mind either car... if it was my money I'd get the Vette, but preferably a Z06. If it were someone else's, I would get the R8.
Conor 8:16AM (7/15/2008)
@ Blah. Way to be a fanboy. Where'd the GT-R show up in the video? Oh, I know.IT DIDN'T.
Satchmo 9:05AM (7/15/2008)
@Conor
Typical to throw around the "fanboy" label. If you re-read his post you'll notice no fanboyism. Maybe you should quit bewing such a douche bag.
Yar 8:10PM (7/14/2008)
Didn't the LS2 vette beat the R8 on last years Lightning Lap?
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andre lavoie 8:15PM (7/14/2008)
I'm kinda torn between both cars. The R8 is obviously superior but, then again, it better be for the price. Think I'll go with the vette on this one.
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IK47 11:02PM (7/14/2008)
I'd rather have the R8, since it's nicer (fancier, more luxuries, better built, awd, better looking, more exclusive, etc. etc.)
but I'd be with the first to say that, all factors considered (including price), the corvette is far superior.
I'm most impressed by how the vette's V8's can perform so well, and at the same time remain reliable, cheap to maintain, inexpensive and efficient. I guess that's the power of economies of scale.
Carlos 1:02AM (7/15/2008)
If someone said pick between the two I'd choose the Audi, that car is beautiful and boy does it sound even better! If I had to buy one, I'd pick the Corvette.
Jack 4:15PM (7/15/2008)
+1...the vette that they were driving didn't even have the Z51 suspension package which would take away that body roll that it had and more than likely make up some time. Then for $12,000 you could add the Callaway Supercharger and you'd be pushing 580hp and you'd blow the doors off the R8 and still have $40K to play with.
Mark Ryan 8:16PM (7/14/2008)
1.4 second difference on a lap that's under 50 seconds? I'm gonna chalk that one up to the driver. No doubt the R8 is easier to drive.
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Seoultrain 8:19PM (7/14/2008)
$70,000 is easy to disregard when it's not your money.
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Conor 8:21PM (7/14/2008)
I'll take the two 'Vettes, or a ZR1!! (Even the top Corvette is cheaper than the R8... O.o) And The narrator sucks in this show.
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jcar302 8:21PM (7/14/2008)
These guys need to start using a real track for their comparisons.
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zamafir 10:36PM (7/14/2008)
x2. watching this vid i'm pretty disappointed they couldn't arrange for any decent track time. Hell, if Infineon et-al is beyond their reach, even California speedway infield would be better then this - though the R8 would have pulled further ahead on either (esp Infineon).
psu48187 8:22PM (7/14/2008)
I wonder how a Z06 would have faired?
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