Compare the2024 Aston Martin DB12VS 2023 Audi R8

The DB12’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The R8 doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The DB12 has a standard Birds-eye Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The R8 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The DB12’s blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The R8 doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the DB12’s standard Rear Cross Traffic Assist uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The R8 doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The DB12’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The R8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the DB12 and the R8 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 DB12 comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The R8’s 50,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The R8’s redline is at 8700 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The DB12 has a 7000 RPM redline.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the DB12 has a standard 250-amp alternator. The R8’s 210-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The DB12’s 4.0 turbo V8 produces 109 more horsepower (671 vs. 562) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 406) than the R8 RWD Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10. The DB12’s 4.0 turbo V8 produces 69 more horsepower (671 vs. 602) and 177 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 413) than the R8 Quattro/GT’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10.

On the EPA test cycle the DB12 gets better mileage than the R8:

The DB12 has 1.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the R8 Coupe’s standard fuel tank (20.5 vs. 19.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Aston Martin DB12 higher (3 out of 10) than the Audi R8 (1). This means the DB12 produces up to 22.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the R8 every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Aston Martin DB12, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the R8.

For better stopping power the DB12’s brake rotors are larger than those on the R8:

For better traction, the DB12 has larger tires than the R8 (F:275/35R21 & R:325/30R21 vs. F:245/30R20 & R:305/30R20).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the DB12 has standard 21-inch wheels. Only 20-inch wheels are available on the R8.

The DB12 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The R8’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the DB12’s wheelbase is 6.1 inches longer than on the R8 (110.4 inches vs. 104.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the DB12 is .8 inches wider in the front and 2 inches wider in the rear than on the R8.

The DB12 has standard seating for 4 passengers; the R8 can only carry 2.

The DB12 has 22 cubic feet more passenger volume than the R8 (72 vs. 50).

The DB12 has .1 inches more front headroom and 4.2 inches more front legroom than the R8.

The DB12 Coupe has a much larger trunk than the R8 Coupe (9.3 vs. 4 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the DB12’s trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The R8 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the R8, the DB12 has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The DB12’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The R8 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Both the DB12 and R8 have a standard remote lowering convertible top; however, in case of a sudden change of weather, the DB12 has a standard remote convertible roof that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. The R8 doesn’t offer a remote closing roof, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

The R8’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The DB12’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the DB12 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The R8 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the DB12’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The R8 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The DB12’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The R8 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the DB12 has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The R8 doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The DB12’s Auto Parking can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The R8 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.