Compare the2022 Acura NSXVS 2022 Audi R8

The NSX’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The R8 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the NSX. But it costs extra on the R8.

The NSX’s blind spot mirrors use wide-angle convex mirrors mounted in the corner of each side view mirror to reveal objects that may be in the driver’s blind spots. The R8 doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

Both the NSX and the R8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the NSX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the R8. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the R8 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The R8’s redline is at 8700 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The NSX has a 7500 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 26th in initial quality. With 40 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

The NSX’s 3.5 turbo V6 hybrid produces 38 more horsepower (600 vs. 562) and 86 lbs.-ft. more torque (492 vs. 406) than the R8 RWD Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10. The NSX’s 3.5 turbo V6 hybrid produces 79 lbs.-ft. more torque (492 vs. 413) than the R8 Quattro Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10.

Regenerative brakes improve the NSX’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The R8 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Acura NSX higher (3 out of 10) than the Audi R8 (1). This means the NSX produces up to 22.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the R8 every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Acura NSX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the R8.

The NSX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The R8 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The NSX has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The R8’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the NSX is .7 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than on the R8.

The NSX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The R8 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The NSX has 2 inches more front legroom and 2.6 inches more front shoulder room than the R8.

With its coupe body style and remote trunk release lockout, the NSX offers cargo security. The R8’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 5% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

The NSX’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Audi does not offer a locking feature on the R8’s standard power windows.

The NSX’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The R8 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The NSX was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2017. The R8 has never been an “All Star.”