Audi R8 vs Jaguar XK vs Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs Porsche 911
The Audi R8 turned more heads than a Wimbledon tennis match on our test route, but how did it stack up to its rivals?
The Ford Mondeo was one of the most important cars of 2007, but there’s no doubt that the most exciting new arrival appeared shortly after. The Audi R8 turned more heads than a Wimbledon tennis match on our test route. Its stunning good looks meant jaws dropped and camera phones clicked, with fans flagging us down everywhere we went.
But we did have a mouthwatering trio of rivals in tow, too. Representing Britain were the superb Jaguar XKR and Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but the R8’s toughest opponent was the benchmark that all sports cars must face – the Porsche 911.
Unsurprisingly, the Brits couldn’t quite hold out against the Germans in the ultimate sports car stakes, but both the UK-built contenders acquitted themselves well in this tough test.
The XKR is the cheapest car here by some margin and its stunning looks and modern cabin are hard to fault. It also has a very impressive ability to cruise brilliantly and deliver fine road manners. But it’s more of a grand tourer than an outright sports car, because it’s simply too comfortable and quiet, and it lacks the driving precision that makes the Porsche so invigorating. However, on our 800-mile trip to the south of France, the XKR’s relaxed ride and effortless supercharged performance made it a firm favourite.
The Aston Martin was only a fraction ahead. It’s far more expensive than the XKR, and there’s an unmistakable air of exclusivity and a real sense of occasion about driving the Vantage. The engine and chassis have an edge of aggression – the V8 sounds sublime – but compared to its German rivals, it feels under-developed. Nevertheless, despite a few rough edges, its raw personality makes it special, and there’s no denying it’s every bit as good-looking as the R8. In terms of engineering, the 911 is the exact opposite of the Aston; no other sports car in the world has been so thoroughly developed. Its sheer technical efficiency means that it’s easy to live with day to day, yet it delivers performance, handling and involvement by the bucket load.
But the 911’s familiarity helped the R8 nip through to take victory, because few other cars on the road can match the deep sense of occasion you get from the Audi’s stunning design and beautifully appointed cabin.
The mid-engined layout limits its practicality, but its abilities are more than skin deep. It proves that Audi can build drivers’ cars, and is simply a revelation – involving and at the limit, yet docile and easy to drive at low speed. No other supercar is so accessible.
Its blend of comfort, speed and handling is unrivalled, while the wonderful V8 engine and slick manual gearbox finish off the package. Audi’s first supercar is a masterpiece.
