Compare the2023 Audi R8VS 2023 McLaren Artura

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

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 Artura’s 45000-mile basic warranty expires 5000 miles sooner.

The R8’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Artura’s (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 Coupe’s standard fuel tank has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Artura (19.3 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The R8 Spyder’s standard fuel tank has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Artura (21.1 vs. 17.4 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 Artura is not available with all wheel drive.

For better traction, the R8 has larger tires than the Artura (F:245/30R20 & R:305/30R20 vs. F:235/35R19 & R: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 Artura’s standard 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the R8 has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 19-inch front wheels are available on the Artura.

For better maneuverability, the R8’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Artura’s (36.7 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

The R8 is 4.3 inches shorter than the Artura, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the R8. The Artura doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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 Artura can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 McLaren Artura’s Keyless Entry and Lock doesn’t unlock the trunk.

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

The R8’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Artura’s 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 Artura 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 Artura doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

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 Artura doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

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

The Audi R8 outsold the McLaren Artura by almost four to one during 2022.