The Audi R8 and RS E-Tron GT are both high performance cars, but one is a mid-engine V10 supercar, while the other is an electric sports sedan. Regardless of their differences, both are cars designed for speed, so that begs the question: which one is quicker? That’s what Carwow attempts to find out in their latest video as the two are pitted against each other in a series of challenges.
The R8 in the video is a pre-facelift model, but its 5.2-liter V10 engine has been tuned to make the same 612 hp (620 PS / 456 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque as the current model. The RS E-Tron GT, on the other hand, is powered by two electric motors producing 637 hp (646 PS / 475 kW) and 612 lb-ft (830 Nm) of torque.
Related: Can The All-Electric Audi RS e-tron GT Worry The BMW M5 CS?
On paper, the two seem evenly matched, with both having all-wheel drive and similar power figures, but there are other factors at play that will determine the outcome of the challenges. For instance, the E-Tron has the additional benefit of instant electric torque, but it also weighs 1,468 lb (665 kg) more than the R8.
In the first drag race, the E-Tron GT left the R8 in its dust and just kept widening the gap until the finish line. In the second, the R8 actually got the better launch, but the E-Tron ultimately took the win by a sizeable margin. The third and final drag race was the most evenly matched of the bunch, with both cars neck and neck until the E-Tron managed to eek out the win at the very end.
We won’t spoil the other two challenges, so to see the results of the roll races and braking tests, you can check out for yourself the video right below.