Compare the2023 Audi R8VS 2022 McLaren 720S

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 720S 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 720S 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 720S 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 720S have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger 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.

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 720S’ 3-year basic warranty expires 1 year sooner.

The R8’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the 720S’ (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.

The R8 Spyder’s standard fuel tank has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the 720S (21.1 vs. 19 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 McLaren 720S 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 720S’ 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 720S.

For better maneuverability, the R8’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the 720S’ (36.7 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The R8 is 4.5 inches shorter than the 720S, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The R8 has 1 inch more front headroom and 12.7 inches more front shoulder room than the 720S.

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 720S can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

Laser headlights, standard on the R8 Quattro, produce their light by firing blue lasers through phosphorus, a process that uses one-half the power of the 720S’ LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

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 720S doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the R8 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The 720S doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The R8’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 720S’ 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 720S has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the R8 has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The 720S doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

Standard smartphone integration for the R8 allows the driver and passengers access to select programs on their smartphones, including reading text messages aloud, playing internet radio stations and other connected activities without taking their eyes off the road or their hands from the wheel. The 720S doesn’t offer factory integrated smartphone program access.

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 720S doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.