Compare the2022 Audi R8VS 2020 McLaren Senna

Safety
Warranty
Fuel Economy and Range
Drivetrain
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Model Availability

Safety

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The R8 has standard head airbags which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and outboard passenger's upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams and lower side airbags this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The Senna doesn't offer side airbag protection for the head.

The R8 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Senna doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The R8 Quattro Performance has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Senna doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The R8 has standard Audi Connect CARE, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Senna doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

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

The Audi R8 weighs 509 to 851 pounds more than the McLaren Senna. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Warranty

The R8 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Senna’s 3-year basic warranty expires 1 year sooner.

The R8’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Senna’s (12 vs. 10 years).

There are over 12 times as many Audi dealers as there are McLaren dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the R8’s warranty.

Fuel Economy and Range

Both the R8 and the Senna have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All R8s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

Drivetrain

All wheel drive, available in the R8, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The McLaren Senna is not available with all wheel drive.

Tires and Wheels

The R8’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Senna’s standard 35 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the R8 has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 19-inch front wheels are available on the Senna.

The Audi R8’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The McLaren Senna only has 1 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

For better maneuverability, the R8’s turning circle is 5.6 feet tighter than the Senna’s (36.7 feet vs. 42.3 feet).

Chassis

The R8 is 1 foot shorter than the Senna, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The R8 has .9 inches more front headroom and 4.9 inches more front shoulder room than the Senna.

Cargo Capacity

The R8 Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Senna (4 vs. 2.2 cubic feet).

Ergonomics

When different drivers share the R8, the memory system makes it convenient. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, suspension setting, power steering assist and climate settings. The Senna doesn’t offer a memory system.

The R8’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Senna’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them.

The R8’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Senna’s available power window controls are in the ceiling, forcing the driver's attention away from the road to locate them.

If the windows are left open on the R8 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Senna can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the R8 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Senna doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The R8’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Senna’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

The R8’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Senna has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The R8 has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Senna.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the R8 has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The Senna doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

With standard voice command, the R8 offers the driver hands free control of the radio and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The Senna doesn’t offer a voice control system.

Bluetooth wireless connectivity is standard on the R8, connecting the driver and passenger’s cell phones to the vehicle systems. This allows them to use the vehicle’s stereo and hand controls to place calls safely and easily. Bluetooth costs extra on the Senna.

Model Availability

The Audi R8 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the McLaren Senna isn’t available as a convertible.

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