2009 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi R8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Audi A8 would be higher. At 5,200 cc (10 cylinders), 2012 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi R8 (560 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 353 more horse power than 2009 Audi A8. (207 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2012 Audi R8.
Because 2012 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Audi A8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Audi R8 (539 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A8. (280 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 2012 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A8 | R8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2772 cc | 5200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1267 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
