Audi’s performance echoes its looks and the R8 rockets from zero to one hundred kays in a claimed 4.6 seconds, while Porsche claim 4.8 seconds. Audi list a top speed of 301km/h while Porsche limits the Carrera 4S to 288km/h. Remember however that the 0.2 seconds you gain with the Audi will cost you around R105 000.

Audi make use of the 4.2 FSi V8 lump we’ve grown accustomed to while Porsche stick with tradition and slap a flat-six lump with a capacity of 3.8-litres. Although the difference in the performance figures is marginal, the Audi slaps the Porsche when it comes to making the right noises.

A prod on the gas pedal

A prod on the Audi’s gas pedal is almost enough to convince you it is the best car around. Audi also almost had me convinced me when I saw the H-pattern gearlever, but sadly snapping gears with this piece of art is not as effective as it should be.

Even with the excess of power on tap, both cars excel in the handling department while at the same time not issuing a teeth-clattering harsh ride.

Porsche managed to keep the centre of gravity down by keeping the flat-six engine layout it adopted way back when. This combines well with the four-wheel drive system and the rear-engine layout to keep traction and all wheels in contact with the road. Porsche Active Suspension Management handles individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.

The front suspension is McPherson strut type and the rear a multi-link system but the weight saving material used are the major trump card as it reduces the unsprung weight.

Audi makes use of a double-wishbone set up at both the front and rear but the near-perfect weight distribution created by the mid-mounted lump is the trump card. If you splash out some extra tom, you can get the Magnetic Ride option that uses magnetically charged shock absorber fluid located in the dampers, but like the carbon brake option, it’s not necessary.

Amazing compromise

Both cars are an amazing compromise between comfortable road car and out-and-out mountain pass muncher.

Steering feel in both cars is exceptional and should be a model for all carmakers the world over. Porsche uses a variable steering ratio to make the car stable on the motorway, but sharp and responsive when cornering or even parking at gentle speeds. Audi’s hydraulically assisted rack and pinion is just as taut and responsive without being a handful when parallel parking outside your local.

Both cars are top-of-the-line machines and have enough pedigree and performance to impress even the most qualified supercar ace, but if there could be only one which one would it be? I so badly want to say that only Porsche, Ferrari and Lambo should line the walls of little boys’ rooms but I can’t.

I think the R8 has escalated the brand to poster status. I think I’ll stick the R8 above the bed and stick the Carrera 4S behind the door.