German Car Zone

Has The 911's Reign Come To An End?

It had to happen sooner or later. For 45 years, the Porsche 911 has sat steadfast on its throne as the best sports car in the world, refusing to let any competitor subvert its dominance. But with the sublime Audi R8, the 911 faces the real possibility of having to trail in its wake. Now the initial hysteria surrounding Audi's first proper supercar has ebbed sufficiently, it's a good idea to spend some quality time with both to see which one really does come out on top.

What is it about the 911 that gets under the skin so deeply? First of all, there's that shape. It's still the same overall look as Ferry Porsche's 1963 original and there's something primeval about it. It's a manly car and carries with it a reputation for biting when the driver makes a mistake. The location of its famed flat-six engine has never changed; it remains slung out beyond the rear wheels. This makes for incredible traction, making any 911 quick off the mark.

However, having all that weight so far back has also caught out thousands of drivers. Lift off the throttle mid-corner or dab the brakes injudiciously and the shifting weight often results in a pendulum action where, in the blink of an eye, you're spinning like a top-which can result in certain death on a public highway. The laws of physics always seemed to make the 911 a bit of a flawed gem and, perversely, this is another major appeal. Getting it right can take years of practice, but the rewards are immeasurable.

2008 Audi R8
Layout
Mid engine, all-wheel drive
Engine
4.2-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Performance
Peak Power: 414 hp @ 7800 rpm
Peak Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
0-60mph: 4.5 sec.
Top speed: 187 mph

2008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Layout
Rear engine, all-wheel drive
Engine
3.8-liter flat six, dohc, 24-valve
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Performance
Peak Power: 381 hp @ 7200 rpm
Peak Torque: 306 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
0-60mph: 4.5 sec.
Top speed: 184 mph
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