Compare the2023 Audi R8VS 2023 Maserati MC20

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 MC20 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 MC20 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/GT offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The MC20 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the R8 and the MC20 have standard driver and passenger frontal 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.

The R8’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the MC20’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

There are almost 3 times as many Audi dealers as there are Maserati dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the R8’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Audi vehicles are better in initial quality than Maserati vehicles. With 16 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Audi higher than Maserati.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the R8’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The MC20 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The R8 Spyder’s standard fuel tank has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the MC20 (21.1 vs. 18.5 gallons).

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 Maserati MC20 is not available with all wheel drive.

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 MC20’s standard 35 series front tires.

For better maneuverability, the R8’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the MC20’s (36.7 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The R8 is 9.4 inches shorter than the MC20, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Audi R8 amounts to more than styling. The R8 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .36 Cd (optional .35 Cd with Quattro). That is lower than the MC20 (.38 to .39). A more efficient exterior helps the R8 go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the R8 get better fuel mileage.

The R8’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The MC20’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

Audi Advanced Key standard on the R8 allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Maserati MC20’s Extended Keyless Go doesn’t unlock the trunk.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the R8 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The MC20 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The R8’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The MC20’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

When the R8 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The MC20’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.