911 Turbo v. R8 V10 v. NSX

Things are a bit confusing in the Porsche hierarchy these days, as the basic Porsche 911, as basic as you can call a $100,000 car before options, is now a 911 Turbo, but at the same time it isn’t, because the 911 Turbo is the 911 Turbo, the new base 911 just happens to feature turbochargers. This particular review is of the “real” 911 Turbo, make sense?

This is all seeming a bit contrarian, so I’ll get to the point: Auto Express magazine loves the 991 generation 911 Turbo, however, several new rivals have stepped up since it’s release. What can the refreshed 991.2 generation 911 Turbo do against the competition? To find out, British racing driver and occasional motoring journalist, Steve Sutcliffe is back with Auto Express, this time, comparing the Porsche 991.2 generation 911 Turbo against the new Acura (Honda) NSX and the second generation Audi R8 V10.

Here are the headlines: this 911 Turbo (non-S) features a twin-turbocharged 3.8L flat six with 540 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, coupled a 7-speed dual clutch “PDK” automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The NSX is also a twin force-fed six, but it’s cylinders are arranged in a “V” configuration and it is assisted with a hybrid battery system to power the rear wheels. However, it’s not rear-wheel drive as two additional electric motors power the front wheels individually. The net output of this tech fest is 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of hybrid electric torque.

With it’s naturally-aspirated power plant, you’d think the R8 would be overwhelmed by the boosted beasts in this test, but thanks to it’s 5.2L atmospheric V10 engine using high compression and an equally high redline means it’s producing the thick end of 600 horsepower, even if it is comparatively down a bit in the torque figures. Naturally, it’s paired a double clutch “S-tronic” transmission and Quattro.

In typical Sutcliffe form, this video features a barrage of stats and figures, paired with hot lap battle to see which car can take the cake at Auto Express’ unofficial test track. Place your bets.

via Auto Express

Jake Stumph

Jake Stumph is a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, and former content editor for Internet Brands Automotive which he joined in 2015. His work has been featured by several other prominent automotive outlets, including Jalopnik and Autobytel.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.

He enjoys track days, drifting, and autocross, at least, when his cars are running right, which is uncommon.

Instagram