Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Aston Martin DB9 VS 2015 Audi R8 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The DB9 has standard parking sensors to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The R8 doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

Both the DB9 and the R8 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 DB9 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 8250 to 8700 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The DB9 has a 7000 RPM redline.

The DB9’s 5.9 DOHC V12 produces 80 more horsepower (510 vs. 430) and 140 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 317) than the R8 V8’s standard 4.2 DOHC V8. The DB9’s 5.9 DOHC V12 produces 66 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 391) than the R8 V10’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10. The DB9’s 5.9 DOHC V12 produces 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (457 vs. 398) than the R8 V10 Plus Coupe’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10.

For better stopping power the DB9’s brake rotors are larger than those on the R8:

For better traction, the DB9 has larger front tires than the R8 (F:245/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. F:235/35R19 & R:295/30R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the DB9 has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 19-inch wheels are available on the R8.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the DB9’s wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the R8 (107.9 inches vs. 104.3 inches).

The DB9’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.6% to 49.4%) than the R8’s (42% to 58%). This gives the DB9 more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the DB9’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the R8’s (37.7 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The DB9 has standard seating for 4 passengers; the R8 can only carry 2.

The DB9 Coupe has 1.8 inches more front legroom and 4.5 inches more front shoulder room than the R8 Coupe.

The DB9 Coupe has a much larger trunk than the R8 Coupe (6.1 vs. 3.5 cubic feet).

When three different drivers share the DB9, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions and outside mirror angle. The R8 doesn’t offer a memory system.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The DB9 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The R8 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The DB9 has a standard center folding armrest for the driver and front passenger. A center armrest helps combat driver fatigue. The R8 doesn’t offer a front seat center armrest.