A sports utility vehicle, commonly known as SUV, is seen as the ideal vehicle for individuals that need generous cargo and cabin space. SUVs are also considered to be a vehicle that is built to take on tough terrain. But new performance SUVs prove that this type of vehicle can go head-to-head with even some of the most recognized supercars available today.
Porsche Cayenne vs Audi R8
YouTube channel Carwow demonstrated just that as it raced the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT against the Audi R8. It would be handy to know that the Turbo GT is the model’s most performance-ready variant, putting out 640 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine.
The competition is the Audi R8, a two-seater mid-engine supercar deemed as the automaker’s most powerful model. It is powered by a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine capable of generating 570 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. Comparing the numbers alone, it seems like we have a clear winner already.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
For all three 1/4-mile (0.4 kilometers) drag race rounds, the Porsche Cayenne took the victory. Although the R8 was managing to close the gap as the finish line nears, the German SUV still held comfortable leads. The Cayenne completed the standing quarter mile in 11.3 seconds, while its opponent did it in 11.4 seconds.
One can say that the Cayenne's use of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system gave it a huge advantage over the R8’s rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration. A car is at its heaviest on a standstill, making AWD the ideal go-to for drag races as it spins all four wheels. To note, the German supercar is also available with an AWD as an option.
Audi R8
But when it comes to a rolling race, in which the two cars start at 80 km/h, the Audi R8 showed up big time, beating the SUV twice. In this type of race setting, the car with the higher top speed will likely end up the victor. As for the Carwow test, the Audi R8 boasts a higher top speed which is rated around 320 km/h.
Regardless, the Porsche Cayenne managed to put on a show, asserting that SUVs can run go alongside even the fastest cars. Meanwhile, if you are looking for an SUV that has pushed the envelope, the Aston Martin DBX707 is hailed as the most powerful SUV in the market today, screaming 707 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque.
See more car race results like this at Philkotse.com.