Drag race: Audi S8 vs Audi RS6

When it comes to practical cars that can scare the odd Lamborghini or Ferrari, Audi knows how to nail that formula.

Take the S8 saloon for example. It’s based on the supremely luxurious A8, and that shows — it’s incredibly comfy, has loads of space in it and feels luscious to cruise about in.

When you need to open the taps though, there’s plenty of power on offer. Packing a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the S8 sends 571hp and 800Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Impressive, right?

But while the S8 is all lovely for passengers, what if you need something with just as much performance that can handle a dog walk or the occasional furniture shop? That’s where the Audi RS6 comes in.

Based on the A6 Avant, it gets a whole raft of upgrades — none more crucial than a near-identical V8 to the S8, albeit here with 600hp and 800Nm. It too sends power to all four wheels, also through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

So the RS6 has the S8 beaten in the power stakes, and on the scales too, weighing in at 2,075kg compared with the big saloon’s 2,230kg.

Do those numbers translate to a faster car, though? That’s what today’s drag race looks to find out. We’re pitting together the Audi RS6 and S8 to see which of these performance brutes comes out on top.

As well as the usual ¼ mile drag, they’ll be taking on a rolling race and a brake test. Which Audi wins? You’ll have to watch to find out.

Want to keep up to date with the latest news?

Sign up for the carwow newsletter by entering your email address below to receive regular updates featuring our latest videos, reviews, news stories and blog posts from across the world of cars. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time.

By clicking the submit button you agree to our T&Cs and confirm you have read our Privacy Policy.