Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2008 Audi R8 VS 2008 BMW M3 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The R8 has all wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The M3 doesn’t offer all wheel drive.

Both the R8 and the M3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The R8’s 4.2 DOHC V8 produces 6 more horsepower (420 vs. 414) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 295) than the M3’s 4.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Audi R8 is faster than the BMW M3 (manual transmissions tested):

The R8 has 7.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the M3 (23.8 vs. 16.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the R8’s brake rotors are larger than those on the M3:

The R8 stops shorter than the M3:

For better traction and acceleration, the R8 has larger rear tires than the M3 (295/30R19 vs. 265/40R18).

The R8’s 235/35R19 front and 295/30R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) which provides a stiffer sidewall than the M3’s standard 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the R8 has standard 19 inch wheels. Smaller 18 inch wheels are standard on the M3.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the R8 is 3.7 inches wider in the front and 2.2 inches wider in the rear than on the M3.

The R8 handles at .97 G’s, while the M3 pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The R8 is 7.2 inches shorter than the M3, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Road & Track while at idle, the interior of the R8 is quieter than the M3 (52 vs. 53 dB).

The R8 has .6 inches more front headroom and 3.2 inches more front legroom than the M3.