Compare the2023 Audi R8VS 2023 Bugatti Chiron

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 Chiron 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 Chiron 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 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 Chiron 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 Chiron have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

There are almost 28 times as many Audi dealers as there are Bugatti dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the R8’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the R8 gets better mileage than the Chiron:

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 Chiron doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The R8 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Chiron doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better maneuverability, the R8’s turning circle is 13.1 feet tighter than the Chiron’s (36.7 feet vs. 49.8 feet).

The Audi R8 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 750 pounds less than the Bugatti Chiron.

The R8 is 4.5 inches shorter than the Chiron, 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 Chiron (.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 Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Chiron (4 vs. 2 cubic feet).

The R8’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Chiron’s

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 Chiron’s 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 Chiron doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The R8’s standard separate stalk mounted cruise control is close at hand. The Chiron’s standard cruise control is on an over-crowded turn signal stalk.

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 Chiron doesn’t offer factory integrated smartphone program access.

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

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

The Audi R8 outsold the Bugatti Chiron by over 17 to one during 2022.