Audi R8 vs. BMW M3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi R8 and BMW M3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi R8 and the BMW M3.
When we compare the Audi R8's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the Audi R8 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Audi R8's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the BMW M3 is a better car than the Audi R8.
Pricing: A used 2012 Audi R8 ranges from $69,745 to $141,535 while a used 2012 BMW M3 is priced between $24,291 to $50,000.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi R8’s base engine makes 430 horsepower, and the BMW M3 base engine makes 414 horsepower. The R8 is rated to deliver an average of 14 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 476 miles. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 400 miles.This gives the BMW M3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Audi R8 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$114,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$77,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$38,300 - $137,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$60,100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$98,857
Price Range:
$69,745 - $141,535
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$44,027
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$15,906 - $98,857
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
13
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
32,393
# Good or Great Deals:
1
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$36,948
Price Range:
$24,291 - $50,000
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
6
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
56,253
# Good or Great Deals:
2
Audi R8 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW M3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi R8
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
1.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.9 - 16.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.2
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Audi R8 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
9 out of / 41Ranking
10 out of / 41Ranking
19 out of / 41Ranking
20 out of / 41Ranking
20 out of / 41Ranking
21 out of / 41Ranking
28 out of / 32BMW M3 Rankings
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi R8 Trim Levels
Not yet available
BMW M3 Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
430 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
316 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.119 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
414 hp @ 8300 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 3900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.112 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4.2 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
11 / 20 / 14
Range (city/hwy):
262 / 476 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 20 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
280 / 400 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
3.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
11.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 lbs
Width:
79.9 inches
Height:
49.3 inches
Length:
174.5 inches
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3704 lbs
Width:
77.8 inches
Height:
55.8 inches
Length:
181.8 inches
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/35R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
chrome aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black Pearl Effect
Blue
Jet Blue Metallic
Gray
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect / Lava Gray Pearl Effect
Red
Brilliant Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Ibis White
Exterior Colors
Black
Jerez Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Interlagos Blue Metallic / Le Mans Blue Metallic
Gray
Space Gray Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
Silver
Silverstone Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Luxor Beige
Black
Black / Black with Luxor Beige Stitching / Black with Red Stitching
Brown
Tuscan Brown
Gray
Limestone Gray
Red
Red
Silver
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Bamboo Beige
Black
Anthracite and Black / Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Fox Red / Fox Red/Black
Silver
Palladium Silver/Black / Silver
