911 Turbo vs. R8 V10

The Porsche 911 Turbo is a brilliant example of automotive evolution. Ever since the original launched in 1975, Porsche has continually improved its performance flagship to maintain its place at the top table of the sports car world.

The latest version sees another raft of impressive updates. Not only is the Turbo faster, cleaner, lighter and more fuel efficient than before, it’s now available with Porsche’s dual-clutch PDK transmission. The clever gearbox has also been upgraded, with the addition of optional steering wheel-mounted paddles instead of the fiddly buttons that come as standard. But the ultimate 911 faces the toughest of rivals...  

Last year, the Audi R8 V10 was crowned Performance Car of the Year in our annual showdown. But how will it fare against the Porsche when fitted with the brand’s R tronic automated manual gearbox? We put the two four-wheel-drive dream machines head-to-head to find out which is the more enticing prospect.

Ranking

1st: Porsche 911 Turbo
The new Turbo is a technological tour de force, with its active engine mounts, torque vectoring and ceramic brakes. Amazing grip, steering feel and turn-in mean the handling is superb, and its performance is simply jaw-dropping.

2nd: Audi R8 V10
While the R8 V10 is one of the finest sports cars money can buy, the R tronic gearbox isn’t as polished as Porsche’s PDK or engaging as Audi’s open-gated manual. Still, the car attracts more attention than even pricier rivals.

Verdict

If you’ve got a budget of £120,000, you’re spoiled for choice. Both our contenders are stunningly engineered and incredibly capable, and they deliver awesome straight-line pace and memorable driving experiences.

The V10 is a fine addition to the R8 line-up. It’s great to look at from every angle, while the 5.2-litre engine is smooth and powerful, the handling sublime and refinement impressive. However, the R tronic gearbox takes the edge off the driving experience. It can’t match the smooth-shifting PDK unit in the Porsche – which has been improved by the introduction of the optional paddleshift controls.

There’s more to the Turbo than its gearbox, though. It has a huge range of talents. Few cars can match its devastating pace, power and grip. Lighter, faster and cleaner than the outgoing model, the latest Turbo is the best yet.