Compare the2023 Audi R8VS 2023 Mercedes AMG SL

Both the R8 and the AMG SL 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’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG SL’s (12 vs. 5 years).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 18 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The R8 RWD Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10 produces 93 more horsepower (562 vs. 469) than the AMG SL 55’s standard 4.0 turbo V8. The R8 Quattro/GT’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10 produces 25 more horsepower (602 vs. 577) than the AMG SL 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8.

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

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 AMG SL doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better traction and acceleration, the R8 has larger rear tires than the AMG SL (305/30R20 vs. 295/35R20).

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 AMG SL’s standard 40 series front and 35 series rear tires. The R8’s tires are lower profile than the AMG SL’s optional 35 series front tires.

For better maneuverability, the R8’s turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (36.7 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The Audi R8 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 850 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG SL.

The R8 is 10.8 inches shorter than the AMG SL, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 16% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

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 AMG SL’s LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

The Audi R8 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Mercedes AMG SL isn’t available as a coupe.

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