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May 20, 2008
1989 Porsche 930 Turbo or 2008 Audi R8?
By Mike Musto
AKA Mr. Angry
I recently got back from an overnight stay in Maine where I had the privilege of driving both these cars through one full tank of gas. The only thing they have in common is they are both German. That’s it.
First up, a pristine 34k original mile 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo. Let me say from the get go that this car will slap you senseless if you are not VERY careful behind the wheel, as the technology is right out of the 1970s. The Porsche is a rear engine flat six mated to a big ole’ turbo, a 5-speed tranny (first year for this), torsion bar suspension, manual brakes, manual steering and no sound installation. It is a pure driver’s car, nothing more, nothing less. It makes no bones about the fact that it will try and kill you if you are not careful. Continue reading after the jump.
For instance, if you are going through a spirited corner and lift off the gas the rear end will come around on you. Throttle modulation is the key here–too much and it will understeer like crazy, too little and it will oversteer and kill you dead. That combined with HUUUGE turbo lag make this car a chore to drive. HOWEVER, if and when you learn how to drive this car properly the experience is hugely rewarding. Keep the revs high, modulate the throttle and steering and insert a big grin on your face. Also understand that this is a fast car. It weighs 3000 pounds and packs 330hp–impressive numbers, even by today’s standards.
Up next, the 2008 Audi R8. Saying this is not your typical Audi would be an understatement, as this car makes a visceral impact that you would not believe. "What is it?" was definitely the question whenever the Audi was parked. It has the same 414hp V8 as the Audi RS4, but with two fewer doors and a mid-engine configuration. Combine that with Audi’s stellar Quattro all wheel drive system that keeps you out of trouble and you have one hell of a fun ride. Now, where the Porsche will try and kill you, the Audi coddles you. It will make an average driver feel like Mario Andretti. It has super car styling, does 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and has a top end of 187mph, yet is truly a car you can drive every day. It’s quiet, comfortable, fast, beautiful, and is equally happy running errands as it is running around the track. Honestly, I love this car.
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Josh
Feb 17, 2009 at 11:41 am
Nate did you mention that your car fell apart in the process? Lets meet up again and I will put my M5 in DSC off mode and I’ll crank the HP up to 500.
nate
Feb 17, 2009 at 11:22 am
I own a 1987 930 mint with 30,000 original miles. Your article is true you can in trouble very quickly in the 930.Difficult to compare a car that when new sold for a 1/4 of the cost of the r8. I will tell you that on the highway the 930 from 50-100mph crushed my friends 2008 bmw m5. The aftermarket addition to my 930 is a larger intercooler and turbo. Think I will keep driving my econoclassic.
ajk
Jul 21, 2008 at 4:02 am
id take the 930 for sure, i love porsche more then audi. Its also more the driver in tht car, it shows u ur abilities because its way more machanical then the R8 (obviosly, since of the 19 year difference). besides in my mind the r8 might be shiny, but the porsche gets style pionts, n it cant squeeze 4 ppl in it unlike the R8 ;D
The Porsche Pit
May 28, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Great write up,
hmmm, tough choice. The R8 is stunning, however I am a loyal Porsche fan. Can I take the R8 sell it, buy a 930 and put the rest of the money towards a 997 GT3?? ha
Ryan
Derrick
May 25, 2008 at 5:08 am
I’d take the 930, but only if it’s the slantnose version. True beauty.
Haiza Nizam
May 22, 2008 at 1:09 am
I’ll choose AUDI R8, it’s about the handling and performance.it’s latest technology. For the classic it’s still 930turbo!
XSNRGE
May 21, 2008 at 11:43 pm
As sleek, excellent handling and fast the R8 is, I would still take the Porsche 930. Solely for its timeless design. Even today those cars fetch for a lot of coin. Its body design has stood the test of time. Though Porsche’s body styles have evolved throughout the years, the design that the earlier 911s had will still be known as a Porsche design. You ask an 8 year old kid what car it is, he’ll immediately say Porsche.
As for the R8, its a flagship car named after their R8 LeMans car. Its a new design.
The Porsche holds a classic design that stood the test of time and will continue to for many years to come.
Darkitect
May 21, 2008 at 9:49 pm
You know what, I think I’ll take both…
Dave
May 21, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Whatever, driver car or not I would take the R8 any day over the 930. What’s wrong with refinement, speed, and comfort? Why settle for just raw speed. These are the cars of the future. Do you think the new GTR is any different? It has all the same amenities and are you going to tell me that’s not a true sports car. What till the TDI R8 comes out and blows the doors off most cars out there.
valek
May 21, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Now the R8 is a cool car, nice looks and has got the performance to match. but the 930 is something else, it’s a legend, a true sportscar. the best 911 imho, aircooled, great looks and that music coming from the engine.
okay it will probably kill you but hey, there are worse ways to go than being killed in a 930.
Postershop Guy
May 21, 2008 at 1:03 pm
After night driving a similar 911 years ago, i am still haunted by what can only be described as peering up over 2 huge gun barrels all the while listening to a insane cackle of the exhaust. I havent driven the Audi. But where will it be in 20 years? It already looks like a Reebok shoe i owned in 1993 with a huge piece electrical tape holding its stomach from scraping. That or RS4 post operation, trying to escape from a girdle.
Guyon
May 20, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I’d take a 930 over an R8 any day.
Guyon
May 20, 2008 at 9:19 pm
930 all the way.
cknarf
May 20, 2008 at 8:36 pm
1989 930 TURBO
1988montecarloss
May 20, 2008 at 4:55 pm
hey im from maine where were you exactly
Eric
May 20, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Its all about the REAL drivers car (PORSCHE) all the way!
Porsche Cars, Products and LifeStyle
May 20, 2008 at 4:09 pm
1989 Porsche 930 Turbo all the way. The R8 is a fantastic car but it does too much of the driving for you. I like the seat of the pants drive it right or die feeling of the 930!!
Evan
May 20, 2008 at 4:01 pm
That’s an awesome comparison Mike. Of all the Porsches out there I still believe that is the best body style. Tough choice, I’ll take the one that likes to go sideways more. I’m not sure what it is but travelling sideways always puts a big grin on my face.
NeilG
May 20, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I’d also wait for the Twin turbo V10 R8, but same paint scheme as the one above. Looks too nice Blacked out
Derrick
May 20, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I’ll take the pretty one, the R8 (but I’d rather have the V10 or TDI in it)
Dieselabstimmen
May 20, 2008 at 10:42 am
1989 930 TURBO!!! With an updated turbo of course.
I’d only take the R8 over the 930 if it was the TDI edition.