Porsche 911 vs Audi R8

The highly anticipated 2025 Porsche 911 is finally here and already generating buzz in the world of supercars. Over its illustrious history spanning over half a century, this beloved sports car has undergone remarkable changes to become the high-performing and visually stunning vehicle we know and love today. Now in its eighth generation, this iconic race car maintains its reputation for supercar excellence, with the 2025 model introducing some exciting tweaks. 

Join us in this supercar showdown as our team at Porsche Livermore compares the new Porsche 911 coupe with one of its most formidable rivals, the Audi R8 coupe. 

Design and Engineering

Porsche introduced new design and styling elements to the 2025 911 to enhance its already stunning aesthetics. The model's clear lines and muscular rear section make it look bold and aerodynamic. GTS trims now feature a redesigned front apron with adaptive air intake flaps, creating a more distinctive appearance. Matrix LED lights, standard on all models, add an extra dimension of uniqueness.

The new Porsche 911 is available in over a dozen exterior color options for additional personalization. They include Jet Black Metallic, Cartagena Yellow Metallic, Carmine Red, Vanadium Grey Metallic, and Ice Grey Metallic.

The second generation Audi R8, in production from 2015 until its discontinuation in the 2023 model year, takes design and engineering inspiration from the Lamborghini Huracán. Some of its distinctive design elements include full LED headlights and characteristic side blades. The model also has various exterior paint color choices, including Tango Red Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Ara Blue Crystal Effect, Suzuka Grey Metallic, and Ibis White. 

Performance Metrics

The standard Porsche 911 has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder flat engine that turns heads with its rumble alone. This powerful engine achieves a maximum output of 388 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Porsche 911's acceleration is equally impressive, with the base Carrera model making the 0-to-60 mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package and achieving a remarkable top speed of 294 km/h. It also offers decent gas mileage, with the base trim achieving EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 18 city mpg, 25 highway mpg, and 21 combined mpg.

The Audi R8 is available in a 5.2-liter V-10 engine with two potencies. This powerplant achieves 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque on the standard rear-wheel model. All-wheel-drive models receive even more power, with the V-10 engine outputting 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.

Acceleration is also impressive on the Audi R8, with standard rear-wheel-drive models making the 0-to-60 mph dash in just 3.2 seconds. As for fuel economy, the Audi R8 achieves EPA estimates of 14 city mpg, 23 highway mpg, and 17 combined mpg, making it slightly less efficient than the Porsche 911. 

Value for Money

The Porsche 911 and the Audi R8 both come with hefty price tags: the 911 has an MSRP of $120,100, while the R8's MSRP is $158,600. The new Porsche 911 provides greater value than the updated second generation Audi R8 thanks to its better balance of performance, luxury, and useability.

The Porsche 911 providing better fuel economy than the Audi R8 inevitably factors into its operation costs over time. According to Edmunds, the 2025 911's estimated average fuel expense over five years is $14,101 compared to the 2023 Audi R8's average of $17,419. The cost of maintaining the Porsche over time is lower, averaging about $9,521 over five years, whereas the Audi R8 costs about $11,758 over a similar duration.

Insurance costs are another key area where you're likely to save more with the Porsche 911. Coverage for this supercar over five years averages $6,182 compared to the Audi R8, which costs an estimated $6,253 to insure over the same duration.

The Porsche 911 comes with 4-year or 50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties covering major components such as the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. While the Audi R8 offers similar warranty coverage, it doesn't come with the complimentary scheduled maintenance that the Porsche and other supercars in this class have.

Safety and Reliability

The Porsche 911 has many advanced driver-assistance systems to boost driver confidence and safety. Standard technologies to aid your driving include lane-keeping assist, parking assist, a traffic sign recognition system, and adaptive cruise control. A new fatigue detection and warning system is included as standard safety equipment. This system analyzes your driving behavior and sends a warning if it detects signs of driver fatigue, such as erratic steering movements, delayed response to traffic signals, and drifting out of lanes.

The Audi R8 doesn't offer much in the way of advanced driver-assistance systems. The only standard features included are parking sensors and automatic high beams. However, it comes with a complement of airbags to ensure the safety of occupants. 

Porsche 911 vs. Audi R8: Which Should You Buy?

The Porsche 911 and the Audi R8 score highly in looks, performance, and tech features. The choice of which to buy comes down to what features and qualities you prioritize in your dream sports car.

The new Porsche 911 offers plenty of customization options, allowing you to personalize your supercar for a more exclusive vibe. It perfectly balances interior comfort, performance, and advanced driver-assistance features to make every drive riveting. The Audi R8, on the other hand, promises sheer power and muscle with a high-output engine and available all-wheel-drive system.

Schedule a Test-Drive at Porsche Livermore

Ready to discover the legendary performance of the Porsche 911 in Livermore? Schedule a test-drive online or visit our Porsche Livermore location to take one for a spin.

As one of the premier Porsche dealers in the Livermore, California, area, we maintain an extensive selection of the latest Porsche models, including SUVs, sedans, and electric vehicles. Browse our new and preowned inventories to discover great options for your next vehicle purchase.