Score another win for the impressive R8. This can't make VW's minority owner happy with the way the R8 keeps beating various versions of the 911 in comparison tests.
1st Place
Audi R8 - 220 Points
Base Price - $109,720
Tested Price - $120,970
0-60 - 4.3
0-100 - 10.7
1/4 Mile 12.8 @ 112 mph
5-60 - 4.8
70-0 - 160 feet
300 ft skidpad - .97
Willow Springs International Raceway Lap Time - 1:35.76/94.0 mph
Lane change (mph) - 66.7
Observed miles per gallon - 14
Highs
Ballet-dancer balance and grace, eager responses, telepathic steering, internal combustion rarely sounds better.
Lows
Proportions awkward from some angles, uncomfortable dead-pedal height, blind in the rear quarters.
Verdict
Sports-car perfection from an unexpected source.
2nd Place
Porsche 911 Turbo - 210 Points
Base Price - $123,760
Tested Price - $141,510
0-60 - 3.8
0-100 - 9.2
1/4 Mile 12.2 @ 117 mph
5-60 - 4.8
70-0 - 159 feet
300 ft skidpad - .98
Willow Springs International Raceway Lap Time - 1:38.53/91.3 mph
Lane change (mph) - 65.0
Observed miles per gallon - 14
Highs
Omigawd thrust, never-fade brakes, limpet grip, gorgeous interior treatment, maximum Porsche mystique.
Lows
Spooky at the limits of adhesion, high interior noise levels, Prussian ride quality, snoot scrapes on driveway ramps.
Verdict
For 911 addicts who have no wish to be cured, Porsche
Sturm und Drang just doesn't get any better than this.
3rd Place
Aston Martin V8 Vantage - 191 Points
Base Price - $117,150
Tested Price - $129,110
0-60 - 5.1
0-100 - 12.3
1/4 Mile 13.5 @ 106 mph
5-60 - 5.8
70-0 - 165 feet
300 ft skidpad - .93
Willow Springs International Raceway Lap Time - 1:40.73/89.4 mph
Lane change (mph) - 64.1
Observed miles per gallon - 13
Highs
Appealingly edgy update on classic GT-coupe shape, smooth operator on rough payment, irresistible V8 growl.
Lows
A bit too much body roll, nervous under hard braking, short on muscle among these heavy lifters.
Verdict
A stylish GT sophisticate that's a little out of its depth among these thoroughbreds.