B7 has a supercharged V8 with 500 horses AND 506 ft.-lbs. of torque


Despite being virtually the same engine as the Gallardo’s, the Audi’s is significantly different. For starters, the S8’s engine is larger — bore has been increased to 84.5 mm. Also, the S8’s V-10 features FSI (direct fuel injection), whereas the Lambo’s does not.
The S8 is all about low-end torque. As soon as you press the gas pedal, the 4268-lb. sedan is in full stride, thanks to its 398 lb.-ft. of torque of which 90 percent is available at a low 2300 rpm. The Lambo, on the other hand, needs to be wound up and let loose north of the 5000-rpm mark. The smoothness of the S8 is apparent when performing acceleration runs. It puts the power down in a linear manner, getting you to speed without much drama or fanfare. Still, the thing is remarkably quick. It runs to 60 mph in 4.7 sec. and to the quarter in 13.1.
But for sheer unadulterated thrills, no sedan on earth can match the Gallardo Spyder. The Lambo’s V-10 loves to rev. To get a proper sampling of its 520 bhp (70 bhp more than the S8’s), you’ll need to keep it constantly in the 5000- to 7800-rpm zone. It’ll scream its approval with a high-pitched rebel yell, letting everyone within a half-mile radius know that you’re prowling the area. Unless you’re careful, the Gallardo will bite you, especially if you’re too harsh with throttle inputs; but get it right and you’ll be rewarded with a blistering 3.8-sec. 60-mph run and a 12.1-sec. dash to the quarter.