Audi R8 vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?

Audi R8

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2020 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

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2026 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2020 Audi R8

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

By Laura Berry

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V10, 5.2L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

12.0L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Superb dynamics
Naturally aspirated V10
Everyday usability

Imposing presence
Immense power
Plush interior

Dislikes

Where's the advanced safety tech?
No central media screen
Not much in the way of cabin storage

Somewhat thirsty
Too fast for the road
Average warranty coverage

2020 Audi R8 Summary

Supercars can sometimes be seen as the divas of the auto world – delicate, over-the-top, not very good with reality. Well that may be the case for some supercars but not Audi's R8. It's affordable by supercar standards, easy to drive and still very, very fast.

Now the updated R8 has arrived, looking fiercer than ever, but remaining one of the smartest supercar buys on the market. But did you know there are two types of R8? Both have very distinct personalities and I lived with them for two days – in the reality of road works and also ideal country roads.

Here's everything you need to know...

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2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Summary

What makes the Aston Martin Vanquish a luxury car? Everything.

Its over-the-top performance and opulence makes its very existence the definition of a luxury car. Nobody on the planet has any need for this car, you only buy the Vanquish because you want it - and that makes it one of the most luxurious vehicles on sale today.

Its very existence is tied directly to what’s under the bonnet, the last V12 remaining in Aston Martin’s showroom, and the fact that some customers can simply not bring themselves to drive anything without 12 cylinders.

So, what’s it like driving the apex of luxury? Read on to find out…

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi R8 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

Verdict

The Audi R8 V10 RWD and V10 Performance Quattro have their own personalities. I'm a big fan of the lower-powered rear-wheel drive car, but the Performance is the ultimate here with better brakes and that 330km/h top speed. Either way the R8 is a true supercar, but one that doesn't have to be driven gingerly as though something may break off.

Verdict

The definition of luxury is having something you want, rather than something you need. And the Vanquish is definitely something you don’t need, but will desperately want once you’ve experienced it. It’s opulence on wheels, the kind of car you buy mostly because you can. Because owning a V8-powered Aston Martin wouldn’t cut it in your circle of friends. Or because you just want the very best things in life, cost be damned.

Audi R8 vs Aston Martin Vanquish What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi R8 vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?