Mega Audi Drag Race 2017: Does Extra Cash Buy More Performance? R8 vs RS6 vs RS3 vs S1 vs RS2 vs Ducati | Head2Head

TL;DR

Among the tested Audis, spending more generally buys quicker acceleration, with the R8 V10 Plus leading at 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds. The comparison spans the historic RS2, entry-level S1, RS3, RS6 Performance, and R8, while the 157-horsepower Ducati 959 Panigale adds a lightweight two-wheel alternative. Read on for the specifications, prices, and race evidence behind the conclusion.

Transcript

I'm really really excited about this we're going to see if your extra cash really does get you that much extra performance I don't know what's going to happen there could even be an upset Audi has built a reputation for making Supercar slaying high performance versions of its normal cars the Pinnacle of these Auto stormers wear an RS badge RS is to... Read More

Key Insights

• Audi's RS lineup is known for high performance, with each model offering different levels of power and speed.
• The RS2, co-developed with Porsche, was a groundbreaking model in the 1990s with a 2.2L engine producing 315 horsepower.
• The S1, Audi's entry-level performance car, has a 2L engine with 231 horsepower, illustrating the evolution of Audi's performance capabilities.
• The RS3 features a 2.5L turbo engine with 367 horsepower and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, offering impressive acceleration.
• The RS6, with a 4L V8 engine, provides 605 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, showcasing significant power over the RS3.
• The R8 V10 Plus is the pinnacle of Audi's performance cars, with a 5.2L engine and 610 horsepower, achieving 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds.
• Ducati's 959 Panigale, owned by Audi, offers a power-to-weight ratio advantage over the R8, despite being significantly cheaper.
• The video concludes that higher spending on Audi's performance models results in better acceleration, scientifically proven through drag races.

Questions & Answers

Q: Which Audi offers the best performance for the price?

The drag race shows that additional spending generally produces quicker acceleration, with the R8 V10 Plus leading the tested Audis. However, the £41,000 starting-price RS3 reaches 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the RS6 Performance costs £85,000 and improves that time to 3.7 seconds.

Q: Which vehicles compete in the Mega Audi Drag Race 2017?

The comparison features the Audi RS2, S1, RS3, RS6 Performance, and R8 V10 Plus. The Ducati 959 Panigale also appears because Audi owns Ducati, although it has two wheels and is built in Italy.

Q: How did the Audi S1 compare with the RS2?

In their rolling race from about 15 mph, the S1 narrowly beat the RS2. The S1 has 231 horsepower and a 5.8-second 0-62 mph time, while the 315-horsepower RS2 was originally rated at 4.8 seconds from 0-60 mph.

Q: What performance does the Audi RS3 provide?

The RS3 has a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbo engine producing 367 horsepower. Its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox includes launch control, helping it accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 155 mph.

Q: How powerful is the Audi RS6 Performance?

The RS6 Performance uses a 605-horsepower, twin-turbo 4-liter V8 producing 750 Nm of torque. It reaches 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, despite using a torque-converter automatic gearbox without launch control.

Q: What makes the Audi R8 V10 Plus the fastest tested Audi?

The R8 V10 Plus combines a 610-horsepower 5.2-liter engine with a dual-clutch gearbox and launch control. It reaches 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and can achieve 205 mph, whereas the other cars are limited to 155 mph.

Q: What are the Ducati 959 Panigale's key performance specifications?

The Ducati 959 Panigale has a 955cc V-twin engine producing 157 horsepower. It weighs just 195 kilograms, giving it a power-to-weight advantage despite having far less total power than the R8.

Q: What is significant about the Audi RS2?

Launched in 1994, the RS2 was the first Audi to wear the RS badge and was co-developed with Porsche. Its 2.2-liter, five-cylinder turbo engine produces 315 horsepower, and its Quattro all-wheel-drive system helped it reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Audi's RS lineup offers a range of performance models, each providing unique power and speed levels. The RS2, developed with Porsche, set a high standard in the 1990s, while the S1 illustrates Audi's evolving performance capabilities with its 231 horsepower engine.

• The RS3 and RS6 models feature powerful engines, with the RS3's 2.5L engine providing 367 horsepower and the RS6's V8 offering 605 horsepower, demonstrating significant advancements in Audi's performance technology.

• The R8 V10 Plus stands as Audi's top performance car with a 5.2L engine and 610 horsepower, achieving impressive acceleration. Meanwhile, the Ducati 959 Panigale, despite being a bike, offers competitive performance at a lower price, highlighting diverse options for speed enthusiasts.