Acura NSX vs Audi R8

It’s time to get excited as we take a look at how the Acura NSX vs the Audi R8 conversation will go. This should be a lot of fun.

Both of these cars give you advanced technology, incredible power, and a lightweight build that you expect when you’re looking at a supercar. These two models show us the extent to which designers, engineers, and automakers are willing to go to give us a car that can pique our interests and plaster a smile across our collective faces.

Exclusive Pricing Makes a Difference

The Acura NSX and Audi R8 play in a high-priced sandbox where most of us don’t get to spend time. Even so, if you’re thinking about one of these two cars, you’ll see the R8 comes in at a higher base price by nearly $5,000. Both cars have several packages that you can upgrade from the base price to give you more features that will give you the performance and quality you desire.

An Abundance of Powertrain Technology

Acura NSX

The powertrain you’ll find in this Acura gives you a complicated system that returns what you desire. You’ll find a simple beginning with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that is rated at 500 horsepower. This engine is aided by a direct drive motor on the rear axle that brings more horsepower to the mix. You’ll also have a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. A pair of motors are located on the front to add more horsepower and torque for your drive. Overall, you’ll have 573 horsepower and 476 lb.-ft. of torque in the NSX.

Audi R8

Powering the R8, you’ll find a much simpler overall system that can get the job done. This car uses a 5.2-liter V10 engine that has been updated with port injection and new software. This engine is mated to the Adi S Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You’ll find 540 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque in the base model but the V10 Plus Version gives you 610 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque for the drive.

In the NSX vs R8 conversation, you see that the base model of the R8 has less power than the NSX, but the V10 Plus turns up the heat with a lot more horsepower.

Extremely Different Cabins

Acura NSX

The two-seat setup that you find in this Acura gives you gorgeous leather upholstery, metal, or carbon fiber trim, an Alcantara headliner, and shift buttons to choose your gear selection. You’ll have paddles for the manual mode and enjoy the look of the center stack that shows you a large screen that makes connecting easy and enjoyable for you during your drive.

Audi R8

Simplicity and elegance are found in the cabin of the R8. As you expect from Audi, this is a pace where you can have the sleek elements you want, a large instrument panel, an impressive touchscreen, and the comfort that you’re going to admire. The Virtual Cockpit feature is present, which does a masterful job of offering you the readings and information you want in front of you.

The simple approach puts the R8 ahead of the NSX in the NSX vs R8 debate.

Speed Matters

We’ve covered the powertrains, but how do those powertrains and their numbers translate to speed for these two supercars? The Acura NSX is capable of reaching sixty mph in three seconds with a top speed of 191 mph. Looking at the Audi R8, you can accelerate to sixty mph at the same time as the Acura, but the R8 can reach 199 mph when you’re running to the top speed.

Can You Drive These Cars on the Road

You’ll want to show off your supercar, which means you need to have a vehicle that can handle your road driving needs. Both of these cars offer you different ways to have the road comfort you want and know you can head out for a drive. If you’re looking at the NSX vs R8 conversation, you’ll find magnetic dampers and a Comfort setting in the drive mode selector. The NSX gave you comfort from the first day it was made with magnetic dampers and a Quiet mode to allow the car to run on electricity.

Which Car Should You Drive?

Looking at these two supercars and what they bring to the mix, you’ll have to consider what’s important to you. If you want the most futuristic approach to your drive, the Acura NSX is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit of old-world big engine charm, the Audi R8 is ready for the challenge.