The Audi RS7 and R8 are two of the most exciting cars that the German brand has to offer. The RS7 is a high-performance executive saloon with a hybrid twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that puts 591 horses, whereas the R8 is a sports car powered by a V-10 that makes 562 ponies. Both models are extremely quick, but which one is better with all aspects in mind?

The RS7 comes with a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine under the hood that’s paired with a mild-hybrid system. It is capable of producing 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The R8, on the other hand, features a 5.2-liter, naturally aspirated V-10 engine that makes 562 ponies and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Both the cars feature different gearboxes and drive layouts, too. The RS7 comes with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, whereas the R8 is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels as standard. An all-wheel-drive system is also available as optional.

Since the RS7 has forced induction, it redlines up to 6,800 rpm, which is a lot lesser than the free-revving, free-breathing R8 V-10’s 8,700 rpm redline. If you’re someone who likes to hold up the revs, the naturally aspirated V-10 R8 should be your pick.

As for the performance figures, it’s a tie. While the RS7 boasts of a better 0-60 mph time, the R8 has a higher top speed. The RS7 can sprint to 60 mph from rest in 3.5 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than the R8. However, the R8 can go up to 204 mph before hitting a wall, which is a lot more than the RS7’s standard top speed of 155 mph and an optional top speed of 190 mph.

While the R8 comes with carbon ceramic brakes as standard, they’re optional on the RS7. The R8 comes with 14.4-inch rotors with eight-piston calipers at the front and 14-inch, four-piston caliper discs at the rear. This allows it to come to a halt from 60 mph in just 96 feet.

However, the RS7 takes 101 feet from 60 mph to come to a stop, despite its bigger 16.5- and 14.6-inch discs at the front and back.

Cutting right to the chase, the RS7 delivers 15 miles in the city, 22 on the highway, and 17 combined for every gallon of fuel consumed. The R8 delivers 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and the same 17 mpg combined.

When talking about two powerful machines, the fuel economy figures go out of the window. To be fair, it doesn’t matter in a supercar, but you’d think about it when driving what’s an executive sedan. So, even though the RS7 is a little frugal in the city, the point here goes to the R8 since it offers the same combined range as the RS7 and a mile per gallon more on the highway, despite falling into the sportscar category and bordering the supercar territory. Both, by the way, come with a 19.3-gallon fuel tank, so the overall range between fuel stops isn’t going to be drastically different either.

The RS7 and the R8 have slightly different interior designs. The RS7 features a traditional, sporty, executive saloon interior. Its interior is made from high-quality materials, and the car comes equipped with lots of modern technology.

The R8 is a little different. It features a sportier, more modern design. Its materials are of similar quality, but there are just enough styling cues to set it apart from the RS7. It’s worth noting that both models are extremely spacious for cars in their segment.

The Audi RS7 starts at 118,500 before options and destination, which is more than $30,000 cheaper than the R8’s starting price. The R8 coupe starts at $148,700 for the RWD model, and a whopping $199,800 for the Quattro AWD version. As for the Convertible models, the R8 Spyder RWD starts at $160,900, and the R8 Spyder AWD starts at an eye-watering $213,500 before destination and options.

Going by sheer value and bang for the buck, the RS7 is the obvious choice. The seven-seater is quicker to 60 mph, can seat two people more than the R8, is more practical and usable as a daily driver, and comes with more standard features. The R8, on the other hand, is a supercar that will make a lot of heads turn. It even features a naturally aspirated V-10, a breed that will die way sooner than the V-8s. It can also be had as a convertible. Lastly, if money’s no object, then practicality goes out of the window and the R8 seems more enjoyable as an overall package as well as the snob value it comes with.

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