Compare the2022 Audi R8VS 2021 Polestar 1

The Audi R8 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the R8 and the Polestar 1 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

There are over 15 times as many Audi dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the R8’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the R8’s reliability 20 points higher than the Polestar 1.

Both the R8 and the Polestar 1 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.

The R8 Coupe’s standard fuel tank has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Polestar 1 (19.3 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The R8 Spyder’s standard fuel tank has 5.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Polestar 1 (21.1 vs. 15.9 gallons).

The R8 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The R8 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction and acceleration, the R8 has larger rear tires than the Polestar 1 (305/30R20 vs. 295/30R21).

The front and rear suspension of the R8 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Polestar 1, which uses torsion bars in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For better maneuverability, the R8’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the Polestar 1’s (36.7 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Audi R8 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1250 to 1600 pounds less than the Polestar 1.

The R8 is 7.6 inches shorter than the Polestar 1, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The engine in the R8 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Polestar 1. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The R8 has a standard under hood light to help in making nighttime maintenance checks, adding fluids, etc. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer an under hood light.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi R8 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Audi R8 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Polestar 1 isn’t available as a convertible.

The R8 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.