Compare the2024 Aston Martin DBSVS 2023 Audi R8

The DBS 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 DBS’ 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.

Both the DBS and the R8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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 DBS 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 DBS has a 7200 RPM redline.

The DBS’ standard 5.2 turbo V12 produces 153 more horsepower (715 vs. 562) and 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 406) than the R8 RWD Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10. The DBS’ 5.2 turbo V12 produces 113 more horsepower (715 vs. 602) and 251 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 413) than the R8 Quattro/GT’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10. The DBS 770 Ultimate Edition’s standard 5.2 turbo V12 produces 158 more horsepower (760 vs. 602) and 251 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 413) than the R8 Quattro/GT’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10.

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

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the DBS’ fuel efficiency. The R8 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The DBS has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the R8 Coupe’s standard fuel tank (21.1 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 DBS higher (3 out of 10) than the Audi R8 (1). This means the DBS 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 DBS, 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 DBS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the R8:

For better traction, the DBS has larger front tires than the R8 (F:265/35R21 & R:305/30R21 vs. F:245/30R20 & R:305/30R20).

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

The DBS 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 DBS’ 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 DBS is .8 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the R8.

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

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

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

The DBS Coupe has a much larger trunk than the R8 Coupe (9.5 vs. 4 cubic feet).

The DBS Volante has a much larger trunk with its top down than the R8 Spyder (7.8 vs. 4 cubic feet).

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the R8, the DBS 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 DBS’ 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 DBS and R8 have a standard remote lowering convertible top; however, in case of a sudden change of weather, the DBS 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 DBS’ 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 DBS 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 DBS’ 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 DBS’ 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.

The DBS’ 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.