Audi RS6 GT vs R8 GT: Which is Faster?

TL;DR

The Audi R8 GT is faster than the Audi RS6 GT over a standing quarter mile, winning in 11.4 seconds versus 11.5 seconds. Although the RS6 GT has 630 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the 620-horsepower R8 GT weighs only 1,570 kg compared with the RS6 GT’s 2,075 kg. Read on for the engine, drivetrain, launch, and pricing differences behind the close result.

Transcript

what will'll win in a drag race between the new Audi RS6 GT and the Audi R8 GT well I'm going to find out by racing them over the standing quarter mile I'm at Watson and you're watching carwow the Audi R8 GT is powered by a 5.2 L njas brated V10 that puts out 620 horsepower and 565 new of torque that is sent to the rear wheels only VI a 7-speed dua... Read More

Key Insights

• The Audi R8 GT is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine, producing 620 horsepower.
• The Audi RS6 GT has a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 630 horsepower.
• The R8 GT is rear-wheel drive, while the RS6 GT is all-wheel drive.
• The RS6 GT is significantly heavier, weighing 2,075 kg compared to the R8's 1,570 kg.
• In a standing quarter mile race, the R8 GT completed it in 11.4 seconds.
• The RS6 GT completed the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, narrowly losing to the R8.
• Both cars feature launch control, but the R8's lighter weight gives it an edge.
• The RS6 GT's additional weight and turbocharged engine affect its launch performance.

Questions & Answers

Q: Which is faster, the Audi RS6 GT or Audi R8 GT?

The Audi R8 GT is faster over the standing quarter mile. It completed the distance in 11.4 seconds, narrowly beating the Audi RS6 GT’s 11.5-second time.

Q: Why did the Audi R8 GT beat the Audi RS6 GT?

The R8 GT’s much lower weight helped it recover after the RS6 GT’s strong launch and pull ahead. It weighs 1,570 kg, while the RS6 GT weighs 2,075 kg, a difference of about half a ton.

Q: What engines do the Audi R8 GT and RS6 GT use?

The R8 GT has a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 producing 620 horsepower and 565 Nm of torque. The RS6 GT uses a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 630 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque.

Q: How do the Audi R8 GT and RS6 GT drivetrains differ?

The R8 GT sends power only to its rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The RS6 GT powers all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and both cars have launch control.

Q: Did the Audi RS6 GT launch faster than the R8 GT?

The RS6 GT initially launched ahead in the first race, but the lighter R8 GT caught and passed it. Across the repeated starts, the R8 GT launched strongly enough to win the contest three races to one.

Q: How much do the Audi R8 GT and RS6 GT cost?

The Audi R8 GT cost from around £200,000 before selling out. The Audi RS6 GT cost from £177,000 and was also sold out.

Q: What performance modifications does the Audi RS6 GT have?

The RS6 GT has lighter, adjustable coilover suspension, a reworked sports differential, and performance tires. It is also described as weighing about 15 kg less, although that reduction was not expected to make a large difference.

Q: Which car sounded better, the Audi R8 GT or RS6 GT?

The presenters gave the sound comparison to the R8 GT. Its soft limiter operates at 6, and its V10 redlines at just under 9, while the RS6 GT has a soft limiter at 4 and was judged to sound less impressive.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Audi R8 GT, with its 5.2-liter V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, outperformed the heavier Audi RS6 GT in a drag race, completing the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds. Despite the RS6's higher horsepower and all-wheel drive, its weight was a disadvantage.

• The R8 GT's lighter build and efficient launch control allowed it to edge out the RS6 GT in a close race. The RS6 GT's turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive were not enough to overcome its weight penalty.

• In various test scenarios, including rolling races and brake tests, the R8 GT consistently showed superior performance due to its lighter weight and high-revving engine, highlighting the importance of weight and drivetrain configuration in performance cars.