Porsche 911 Carrera S (992) vs Audi R8 RWS | PistonHeads

The new Porsche 911 has grown in size and is heavier than ever. So does it still thrill and entertain the way a true 911 should?
In this video, PistonHeads’ Dan Prosser answers that question and wonders if for the same money, you’d be better off with an Audi R8 RWS instead.
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Video by Harry Rudd

[@peoplehavetherights]

As a former air-cooled owner, I know that they are great daily drivers. My thought between these two cars though is that for that much money, you are looking for a sense of occasion and thus the Audi makes a better case for that. And I am really a Porsche guy.

[@GordonGEICO]

11:38 - that sheep looks like it is staring directly into my soul

[@jmyntwo210]

GordonGEICO That sheep is def, an V8 Audi passed it & it didn't even move...

[@lorenzo1843]

@@jmyntwo210 v10

[@masindi5969]

Hahaha deep stuff!

[@tcolley]

you too?

[@eltorrente1021]

HAHA awesome

[@AJTalks]

Picking up the game where MotorTrend left us hanging! Great video and points. Props

[@richardbrayshaw570]

Yeah! Whatever happened to those guys? Behind a paywall now?

[@unknownunknowns]

Richard Brayshaw And they haven’t adapted to 4K yet.

[@timephire]

You speak the truth.

[@zakelwe]

love the oversteer followed by sheep bleat.

[@eusdeenius]

I rewinded at least 4 times

[@markmywords8163]

No way dude! The R8 RWS is simply awesome!

[@shawshank6510]

So refreshing to have PH back on my recommendations. Hope we see Trent back in action, I've been following his channel. And Prosser? How did you end up...here...what??????

[@mansfield1971]

Can't take the kids in the R8. This is why the 911 is still so popular, it's ability to do a number of different roles is still to this day unrivalled.

[@992turbos8]

Mansfield Hope there small kids , it’s not as big as you might think.

[@mansfield1971]

@@992turbos8 But it's an option at least. Had 2 adults in the rear of my 997 for a short journey so it's definately possible.

[@goowatchi]

Mansfield good to know you’re servicing the little people in your community

[@juststuff5216]

Hopefully, this version won't let Nick Murry down!

[@shelloiluk]

TransmissionLineDesigns he’s 100 times better at reviewing than this boring guy

[@robburton8462]

Great to see PistonHeads making videos again, looking forward to seeing more!

[@brightenupcc]

Yes, the slim moat around the gear lever is poorly thought out. Finally, someone with cleanliness OCD like me! Keep it up mate!

[@zacktravelstheworld]

Had a 992 2s Manual with Aero right when they came out, and traded it for a Huracan Performante. Decided one really needs both, and have the GTS 4S Cab Manual getting delivered next month, can't wait!

[@Maxrotor1]

I have my 992.1 with manual and Aero Kit getting delivered next month. I don’t think I will ever sell it.

[@Maky313]

There are such excellent auto journalists in the UK. It's very surprising to me why Top Gear has struggled so much to replace the trinity....

[@ryan_henderson]

Maky top gear’s a comedy show with cars, hence the two recent presenting additions. Why oh why CH is still there I don’t know.

[@firelizard2]

@@ryan_henderson I reckon BBC pays quite a bit better. I'd like to see him on Lovecars, or PH, or Evo... but at least with him at Top Gear we get his content with a BBC production budget behind it, so it's not a bad deal.

[@wassimkhazzaka6360]

Excellent content! I used to follow Dan's reviews in EVO magazine and it's nice in video format as well. Great quality visually and information wise. With Henry Catchpole on the other channel these are the best 2 car reviewers! Looking forward for more content like this one, and if longer it would be better!

[@richardjones2620]

Great to see you doing comparisons again. Really enjoyed it. Don’t worry about getting into too much detail; Dan’s comments about the 911’s interior were spot on! Cheers and looking forward to the next vid

[@timoldland]

Great to see you back making videos Dan and of course, great to have PH back making excellent videos again. More of this please, really enjoyed it!

[@HarryBradbury]

Agree; R8 is a brilliant occasion/weekend warrior option, but the 911 can be a that as well as a stunning daily driver.

[@TheEryk03]

911 is boring. Great daily but boring. Golf R is also great daily. Not many things can beat NA V10.

[@HarryBradbury]

@@TheEryk03 Never driven a 911 so I can't comment, but I did find the Golf R boring.

[@delarose8769]

I have both 21' V10 rws, 21' Carrera 2S. The R8 is Awesome, exhilarating, a showoff, and obnoxiously loud. The Carrera S works just like he said is something you can take around everyday with 80% of the growl and fun factor the R8 has.

[@giovannigallo8429]

There is no wrong answer.. both superb and deliver for the driver

[@computerhelpcc]

Back-to-back comparisons teach the most, and these back road jaunts make them extremely satisfying to watch. Excellent. Comments from other drivers help too even if no time in video for them (complication, costs, we understand). The daily drive less connected than prior comment is appreciated. I suggest in any given model range during a 3 year period a base model be included as prior big magazine comparisons of 911 revealed base was more fun daily and on back roads (99% of what most of us will use them for) despite scarier on track (I won’t spend time there, and money not spent there is thus ready for inevitable maintenance costs).

[@laurentirgo5042]

Nice background music on this review, it certainly elevates the mood and compliments the vehicles.

[@andras.89]

09:10 slide + "meee" sound, epic :)

[@lapamful]

Great review. Glad to see you posting again.

[@SAFFY7411]

I agree with the conclusion. The usability of the 911 makes it a more practical choice. Despite the R8 being quite exciting, it wouldn't be driven half as much in the same ownership period compared to the 911 in my opinion. The 911 is the everyday supercar and that would be my pick.

[@icydelight3693]

The r8 is also an everyday supercar. In terms of comfort it’s even better than the 911 according to some of the reviews that I read, and the infotainment is really good. It’s also very easy to drive. It just lacks the rear space of the 911 and it has higher running costs but other than that it’s still a very usable car, provided you have enough money

[@izskos4021]

13:15 about to skip off the road and that cameraman’s “oooohhh” ;)

[@agreatd]

KZbin algo suggested this video and it's great, the only reviewer that mentioned not so good handling, loved also the bits about filth in the floating island and weird spongy window switches, these details made me subscribe :) just not sure why no mention / difference on how and why non 4 wheel steering car feels better

[@tjabaley]

Thank you, wonderfully descriptive review.

[@phh7637]

Super review. Great job. Thanks

[@joefattal7592]

The first Porsche I’ve ever lusted for. Great review 👌🏼

[@OllieC100]

Nice work! Love the interior insight.

[@karelesterhuizen7117]

Such a great review, well done. Love your work mate.

[@husseinosman8017]

This is fast becoming my go-to place for reviews. Makes the amateur channels look, well, amateurish

[@g3whg247]

There is a guy that lives near me and daily drives his new 992, fully blacked out with the option black wheels. looks mega!

[@rickc2102]

Black is best, hides the vast swaths of plastic.

[@VikramSudera]

Great balanced review. Enjoyed watching

[@NetvoTV]

10:39 wow smooth transition and timing, must be planned well

[@GetUpFalcon]

Prosser's best attribute is his understated demeanour. I hope he doesn't develop a contrived burst out your skin camera presence.

[@JBsC6]

Cool review and interesting insights on two fabulous sports cars. Nice twist and somewhat surprising ...

[@AldosWorldTV]

10:39 lmao wow what an epic transition

[@TDS981]

Enjoyed that, very good review, although I'm not quite sure I fully understood your conclusion.

[@Alby911]

Turn the subtitles on

[@TDS981]

@@Alby911 🤐

[@ronstopfer2315]

Test Drive Scotland I think he explained it well.

[@woodstreet8214]

What he said is just that the natural aspirated engine still is more enjoyable also due to its sound (V10 - high rev). But in the everyday life the 911 is just a incredible car as it combines astonishing performance with every day usability

[@TDS981]

Sorry for the confusion, it was the mentality of the verdict which confused me, Pistonheads is typically more about performance and experience over and above 'every day'.

[@jezrobson9075]

Great video by a highly professional journalist, and not a overly-smug, childlike blogger. I am a die-hard 911 fan (have owned many GT3/RS and Turbo/S models) and struggle with a relatively modest 3.0l engine in a £100k car, no matter how good the turbo-charging & other tech maybe. Then again the 959 was only 2.9l. I also suspect the lack of proper engagement until pressing on will be a let down. Plastic strips at each end aside, I think the styling is beautiful; a masterclass of form following function, which is, of course, true to the 911's heritage. Looking forward to the next video, Dan.

[@philmountain9290]

Great content. More of please

[@harishkrishnamurthy5610]

One of the best reviews ever. Intelligent and to the point.

[@jose7777777777777777]

That was a really good review!

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video

[@michaelhennessy5672]

By the way, great video. Keep it coming

[@rare6499]

Quite surprised just how high that dash is in the 911!

[@ziggyfreud5357]

Wow. Yes DP I'm a bit surprised. The NA V10 sounds like it would be much more fun for that special regular weekend blast which is what these cars are really all about I think.

[@G1installs]

Nice work Dan. Great review.

[@garrymckay804]

Great real world review. Helped me out with my choices

[@michaellui74]

Great review:-):-) watching u from san franciso usa

[@dynasys2364]

Although I completely love the 911 (I own a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.1 GTS) you mentioned several times in the video that you "feel disconnected from the car", "only until you are driving it with some real commitment.... that you feel you are driving a 911 again". This is the same comment that I have heard from several reviewers. I am not sure if it is the turbos or the larger size but, to me, that feeling on a sports car has to be there at all times. I really struggled NOT to buy the RWS R8 when I purchased my GT3 (the deciding factor was the lack of a stick shift in the R8) but between the 992 and the R8, I think I would go for the R8. Not only is it a better investment (will not depreciate that much) plus you get "the involvement and engaging" ALL the time.

[@100thomasmagnum]

Good practical, helpful review. I still like the new 911. That little munchkin gear knob tho, hmm...not sure how I feel about that.

[@JD2ndcity]

Those black bumper sections are awful. Great analysis of the dust magnets in the interior design.

[@cafe88racer53]

The normal exhaust looks much better

[@campkira]

That media inference.... it don't belong on 911... It should had Five-dial dashboard.....

[@julianevans9548]

I was starting to wonder if I was the only one. How can they get away with those huge swathes of matt black plastic front and rear? (Especially the front.) Awful. Looks like a Vauxhall Cavalier L.

[@DaLeadBull]

I thought so too when I first saw the plastic sections in the bumpers but now I don't mind it too much. I think it looks good.

[@shaunf8988]

Nice work....keep em coming

[@ronstopfer2315]

Well, I’ve ordered a Guards Red C42, thermal night vision, AWS, loaded to the hilt, and I cannot wait until Sep 1st when it’ll be ready for me to pick up at the Kansas City Aristocrat Porsche dealership. Great review, my friend. Both cars rock, but for me, like with you, it’s the Porsche 911.

[@lizhu8548]

Awesome comparison! and loved it when you took a distance shot including the side views of both cars at 13:19 the porsche looks very beautiful...but it's way too expensive especially when they nickel and dime you for literally everthing on their cars...here in Canada, starting price of $153k for the Carrera 4s cabriolet, and just with basic options like the comfort&assistance system and wheel & body paint and 14-way memory package would amount to total of ~$175k....where Audi R8 v10 starting price is $188k.....very close in price.....i mean unless you are porsche fan....the R8 is just better in everyway...maybe the design is subjective...but yea.

[@pavelzhogin4825]

Great video, thx for that!! And yes I personally would also choose 911 for the everyday use! Just love it :)

[@petedavis8701]

Very enjoyable report, Thanks

[@aaaaachew]

Well done!

[@TeeGoRex]

Right decision..? Hell Yeah..🤩 Long Live the 911 😍✌️

[@pride355]

I absolately agree on gear lever surround design. Good pick there.

[@blazed6644]

dan has come such a hell of a long way in terms of eloquence and just general preseting confidence, it's great to see!! you can tell his inspiration is chris harris

[@linasmarcinkevicius]

Thank you for honest review! 😊 911 The best pick! 🏁

[@robbieg019]

Nice video. I agree with the conclusion. The 992 S is tough to beat. A truly unique blend of usability and performance.

[@dbmooo]

First time in your channel, great review! You got a new subscriber. 911 all day and everyday... awesome car.

[@Nord_Mann]

denisbv10 same here! One to follow! Lovely 992 with gold wheels making a return.

[@andeleputo89]

Hideous outdated design, 🐑

[@caydenthompson126]

@@andeleputo89 let me guess. You're a Lambo fan. The design is timeless, real mature motor enthusiasts agree.

wow this is surprisingly straight forward!

[@edwardpickett574]

Good report........nice to see someone intune with the products......

[@limpunsing224]

These cars are stablemates, get one from Merc AMG or BMW vs Carrera S Nice video BTW SUBSCRIBED

[@NerfHerdsman]

8:45 thought Harris was making a cameo for a second

[@Tschonsaey]

Dan Prosser at Piston Heads? Crikey! Hope there is more videos coming.

[@markmuller8829]

You could never go wrong with a 911 but for me it's the R8..... I just like owning cars that not many other people are driving. But of course, the V10 is glorious and by all reports, they really work well as a daily driver as well. Bonus.

[@jordank3141]

Totally agree. Many good poitns and Id personally have the 992 as well plus it fits the Mrs and children under 10.....Those perfect runs up a mountain road just rarely happened for me when I had a supercar so I get that last point as well

[@autospeed]

what is the name of the song that you're using? Love the tune.

[@lesleydavies2988]

Excellent video and correct choice, the 911 is the best useable performance car and looks even better now 👍

[@FOXHOUND4143]

THAT 911 ON SIDE PROFILE AT 13:50. WOW, IT IS JUST ON POINT. WHAT A LOOKER!

[@Nord_Mann]

First time viewer and new subscriber! Beautiful 992 and those wheels in gold... Still thinks my Carrera T is a far more interesting car and you’re right on the cleanliness of the interior. It’s going to be a nightmare. Excited to try one with a manual. Maybe, just maybe..

[@15284750]

I got my first ever Porsche just five days ago, it's Cayman S. I have to say it's awesome. Take a true racing sport car from one of the best manufacturers with decades of winning in all sort of competitions and mix it with a premium highest quality German execution. Plus make it super reliable, almost unbreakable. Enjoy your Porsche. Almost forgot the sound of flat six 3.4 is something..

[@ronstopfer2315]

83_Bismuth 718?

[@15284750]

@@ronstopfer2315 No, 718 has either 2.0 or 2.5 both turbo charged

[@autospeed]

@PistonHeads what is that song you're using. Great track!

[@kofib3]

I want to know too but Shazam says no🙁

[@autospeed]

@@kofib3 I know same here :(

[@alanung]

I would have chosen the Audi R8 for that spine tingle visceral howl of the V10, what beautiful noise that engine makes! With each iteration of the 911, Porsche has made the car more refined, faster and civilised but in the process it is slowly losing its soul, its not as raw as before, the turbo six is nowhere as pleasurable as the natural aspirated six and there is less steering feedback.

[@lro5159]

Current dilemma, offloading a low mile air cooled Porsche that will let me pick up a 992 or a used R8 RWS… completely torn, always been a Porsche guy but I think I’m taking taking the R8 path this go-around. Great review, looking forward to more quality content!

[@NathanElcoate]

Really good. Subbed.

[@KootBear]

Very good review Edit: subscribed

[@wjfw8ij421]

The interior of that 911 is just gorgeous damn

[@ArosaMike]

Great video Dan. Filling the KZbin void vacated recently by Mr Harris

[@timowen5741]

Great review especially as I’m considering both...

[@js002003]

Tim Owen as someone who owned a 991.2 gts (similar performance and output to 992 CS) and now a RWS owner, get the R8, unless you plan on daily driving the car. The R8 just a bit better in every way (except for steering) and definitely feels more special.

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

Rear design is quite radical from the back

[@SpurtingRod]

Good review. Thoughtful. I'm on the fence between the two.

[@is1dre]

Awesome video, thanks! The bad thing about the new 911 is price. Fully optioned, its up against so many incredible (used) exotics and even new exotics like the 2020 Aston Vantage. That being said, the 911 is the best choice for a daily driver or to really put miles on.

[@kunamutas8941]

Gotta say i never loved the R8 but lately it has really grown on me.

[@JacK-yr8ri]

More of this type of video please. Few more of these a month and you will be over 100k subscribers in no time. Pistonheads has a huge following to have such a low amount of viewers / views. I think I would take the r8 for a second car that you want to go for a blast in. That engine would be unreal and would scare 9/10 passengers

[@jameswilkinson150]

New 911 is CRAZY expensive for what it is. It’s even lost that incredible original 911 engine note now.

[@jasonjulius9670]

James Wilkinson Porsche .. you want a steering wheel that moves. That will be extra.. seats that move. Extra. GPS extra. When are consumers gonna stop letting these companies do this? All of these features are standard on a Kia and not an expensive upgrade.

[@jameswilkinson150]

Jason Julius Exactly, and the Kia has the same engine note these days! 😉😂🤣

[@famaccount479]

@@jasonjulius9670 So drive a Kia than, what's the Problem?

[@paulm2518]

Mmm it’s a shame. I’ve had a 911 for 8 years. I won’t be buying another one. They finally caught up on power / 0-60 times but bunged 20k onto a base model. My next big buy will be the r8 v10 plus, because the equivalent performance from a Porsche with the same power/age/mileage is 40 grand more expensive.

[@raneerken6930]

Ain’t nobody eating sandwiches 🥪 in my new 911.

[@ProphetRay]

I really thought this video was going to equally divided in time but the Porsche got most of the time in the video

[@Saozyn_]

What’s the name of the song at the beginning of the video?

[@Kobayashi360]

Good one, guys. 992 for me 👍🏼

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Those rims look awesome with the red colour

[@992turbos8]

I test driven the Audi R8 Plus, Ferrari 458, McLaren 520, 720 When deciding on my Porsche 991.2 Turbo S. Porsche was just the better daily car for several reasons But mostly it was the most comfortable.

[@ziggyfreud5357]

Good point

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

very nicely filmed

[@PixelPusher1]

music credit? track id anyone?

[@Iwillfindonesoon]

Great presentation. ...You'd have someone to clean the fluff out for you, surely...

[@haleohanamalama2967]

Dan~ Why I’m seeing you in this video? I thought you’re with Autocar... By the way, looking forward to see the in depth review of the Huracan Evo!

[@zakelwe]

He's an independent journo since leaving Evo I think, so can write and film for anyone. It's what a lot of journo's have done over the years.