Porsche 911 Turbo S vs Audi R8 GT vs Mercedes AMG GT 63: An Unbelievable Drag Race Showdown

In the latest Carwow video, we witness an electrifying drag race featuring three exceptional machines: the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the Audi R8 GT RWD, and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63. Each of these marvels brings something unique to the tarmac, yet only one can reign supreme. Buckle up as we delve into every nail-biting detail of this epic showdown.

The contenders represent different automotive philosophies. The Porsche 911 Turbo S, from the 992-generation, sticks to its rear-engine roots. The Audi R8 GT flaunts a mid-engine layout, emphasizing a weight distribution ideal for agility. The Merc, a grand tourer with front-engine placement, showcases a 2+2 seating configuration, making it a plush yet fierce competitor.

Under the Hood: The Powerhouses

The Audi R8 GT houses a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 that sings at 8,000 RPM, delivering 620 PS (612 hp) and 565 Nm (417 lb-ft) of torque. It’s a masterpiece of mechanical symphony, free from the hindrance of turbochargers, but needs high revs to perform at its peak.

Both the Porsche and Mercedes leverage turbochargers to produce substantial power at lower revs. The Porsche 911 Turbo S generates a jaw-dropping 650 PS (641 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The AMG GT 63, with its 4.0-liter V8 biturbo, matches the Porsche in terms of peak torque band but trails in outright power, managing 639 PS (630 hp).

Performance on Paper vs. Reality

These cars are shod in high-performance rubber, primed for the drag strip. The Audi R8 GT RWD is lighter, tipping the scales at 1,570 kilos (3,461 lbs). The Porsche sits at 1,640 kgs (3,616 lbs), while the AMG GT 63 weighs in at a hefty 2,130 kgs (4,696 lbs). Weight plays a crucial role in the quarter-mile, where every gram can be a deciding factor.

As the lights turn green, the Porsche rockets off the line, exploiting its all-wheel-drive advantage and instant torque delivery. The Audi, despite its lightness and impressive power, struggles with traction being a rear-wheel-drive. The AMG GT 63, packing serious power but also considerable mass, finds itself trailing despite its sophisticated multi-clutch transmission.

The Quarter-Mile Showdown

Unsurprisingly, the Porsche 911 Turbo S blitzes the quarter-mile in 10.4 seconds, setting a standard that’s hard to beat. The Audi R8 GT, while impressive, crosses the line in 10.8 seconds, a testament to its high-revving V10 and lightweight construction. Unfortunately, the Mercedes AMG GT 63 clocks in at 11.2 seconds, proving that there’s no replacement for a lighter, more focused drivetrain.

Rolling Starts and Braking Tests

From a rolling start at 50 mph (80 km/h), the Porsche and Audi go toe-to-toe in both automatic and manual modes. The Merc can’t match the nimbleness of its rivals, though it redeems itself in the braking test. Coming to a halt from 100 mph (160 km/h), the AMG GT 63 halts quicker than the Porsche, highlighting the prowess of its braking system. Intriguingly, the lightest car, the Audi R8, takes the longest to stop, underscoring that braking efficiency isn’t just about weight.

This drag race serves as a glorious reminder of why the Porsche 911 Turbo S is considered the benchmark in sports cars. With its all-around capabilities and speed, it leaves little to be desired. The Audi R8 GT stands as a swansong to Audi Sport’s prowess, while the Mercedes AMG GT 63 showcases that power and luxury can coexist, even if it falls short on the drag strip.