Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE VS 2015 Audi R8 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The F-Type offers optional parking sensors to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or, optionally, in front of the vehicle. The R8 doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The F-Type’s optional blind spot warning system uses digital cameras monitored by computer to alert the driver to moving 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 safer, the F-Type’s optional cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The R8 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

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

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 F-Type has a 6600 to 6800 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the F-Type second among midsize premium sporty cars in their 2013 Initial Quality Study. The R8 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2014 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Jaguar vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jaguar second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 11th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2014 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Jaguar vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jaguar 13th in reliability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 19th.

The F-Type has more powerful engines than the R8:

As tested in Motor Trend the F-Type V-8 S Convertible is faster than the R8 V8 (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the F-Type gets better fuel mileage than the R8:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the F-Type’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The R8 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

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

The F-Type stops much shorter than the R8:

For better traction, the F-Type has larger front standard tires than the R8 (245/45R18 vs. 235/35R19). The F-Type’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the R8 (275/40R19 vs. 235/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the F-Type offers optional 20-inch wheels. The R8’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the F-Type is 1.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the R8.

The F-Type’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.4% to 47.6%) than the R8’s (42% to 58%). This gives the F-Type more stable handling and braking.

The F-Type R Coupé handles at 1.00 G’s, while the R8 V10 Plus pulls only .96 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The F-Type V-8 S Convertible handles at .98 G’s, while the R8 V8 Spyder pulls only .97 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the F-Type’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the R8’s (35.8 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The F-Type Coupé has 2 inches more front legroom and 1.7 inches more front shoulder room than the R8 Coupe.

The F-Type Convertible has 2 inches more front legroom and 1.7 inches more front shoulder room than the R8 Spyder.

The F-Type Coupé has a much larger trunk than the R8 Coupe (11 vs. 3.5 cubic feet).

The F-Type Convertible has a much larger trunk than the R8 Spyder (7 vs. 3.5 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults or children, the F-Type Coupé offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The R8 doesn’t offer a power trunk.

When three different drivers share the F-Type, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The R8 doesn’t offer a memory system.

The F-Type’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.

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

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the F-Type detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The R8 doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the F-Type offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The R8 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the F-Type is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The R8’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

On extremely cold Winter days, the F-Type’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 F-Type 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.

The F-Type’s optional 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.

Insurance will cost less for the F-Type owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the F-Type will cost $3670 to $7500 less than the R8 over a five-year period.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Jaguar F-Type will be $15635 to $59007 less than for the Audi R8.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the F-Type third among midsize premium sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The R8 isn’t in the top three.

The F-Type was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2014. The R8 has never been an “All Star.”

The Jaguar F-Type outsold the Audi R8 by almost five to one during the 2014 model year.