U-DRAG: Audi RS Q8 vs. Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
Welcome back to Edmunds’ U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races that allow us to incorporate a standing quarter mile, handling and a rolling start all in one race! In this episode, we’ve got two ultra-powerful SUVs going head-to-head: the all-American Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and the luxurious Audi RS Q8. Will American brute force prevail over sophisticated German engineering?
Audi RS Q8 pricing & review: edmu.in/2XPZDMa
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat pricing & review: edmu.in/3PFK2Kr
00:00 Intro
00:27 The Numbers
01:23 Race 1 Prep
02:46 Race 1
04:16 Race 2 Prep
04:28 Race 2
05:31 Race 3 Prep
05:50 Race 3
08:03 Best Numbers Recap
08:30 U-Drags Leaderboard
08:46 Audi RS Q8 In-Car Run
09:24 Durango Hellcat In-Car Run
10:03 Edmunds' Take
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So which of these V8 brutes are you taking home? The hellacious Hellcat or the finely tuned Audi? Let us know in the comments.
Well, I have a 2021 RT, Tow N Go with 5.7 and I'm installing the 3.0 Whipple Supercharger, cam, shorty headers - will have about 700HP (so I already have a Hellcat-esk Durango). And I love Audi! I've owned two S models and will be buying an RS6 Avant - it was between the RSQ8 and the Avant - but after seeing both in person the Avant is so bad-ass!!! 🏁🏁🏁🏁
@@MidwestMotor Unfortunately, neither. I do not even have a driver's license anymore. I am a cyclist with a 24-speed which much better for the environment than these 2 monsters. Therefore I do not ever have trouble finding or have to pay to park anywhere I go. I have had my share of very nice automobiles when I was a driver's license holder, but none comparable to these two 93 octane drinking machines.
I would lean more on the Audi over the Durango as it's much more of a refined vehicle, not to mention has a better balance to how it feels. But personally, I'd rather take the cash for what either of these are worth and put that into my 78 Firebird Formula which is waaaaaay more fun to drive than either of these.
@@ericbritton8146 LOL! Well, I work from home so my 2021 Durango has 7,380 miles on it - so I'm not out polluting your environment. I do cardio and lift weights in my basement but I HAVE to drive where I go with kids, sports, shopping, etc. But it would be nice to live in a downtown to walk / ride bike everywhere.
The Lucid begs to differ..:
I think this is the first U Race where the Brakes decided the winner.
Brakes are good. They make a big difference in the oh crap moments on the highway. You need something to back up all that power.
not really, Audi didn't get a good start
Obviously One is definitely a better driver
@@Freddy_Confetti clearly
Yess
More of this! Now Escalade V, Urus, Cayenne, G63, X5 M, TRX, Raptor R, Stelvio Quadrifoglio, X Plaid, and Purosangue all need to go!
F Pace SVR too 😅
@@jabariphillips8855F Pace SVR definitely slept on
@@lovellwilliams9062 Honestly. And throw the Maserati Levante in there too 🙏🏾
X Plaid would destroy all of them. The braking part would be a problem though. Lol.
Raptor R v TRX let's go!!!!
yeaaaaa
Cleetus du=id this and even had a tug of war between the two....
Noooow! We’re talking
Trx won
@@OmarGarcia-bi7jq I don’t think so
This is the best way to test these cars. This shows far more then just numbers! Great job guys! This should be the new standard test!
Driver matters
I never get tired of listening to that Durango sing ❤
I'm on my second Durango Hellcat and 4th in total! Had two RTs before that. Got rid of my first hellcat and couldn't live without it so I got the second one. Love the hellcat Durango.
Same here. Sold the first one a couple of years ago and after going through several supposedly more badass domestic and luxury vehicles, I regretted it. I'm planning on keeping it this time.
The fan factor and satisfaction that Durango Hellcat provides is unmatched. I also own an BMW X7 M50 but my daily is the hellcat. Love the truck!
You should move one step forward with BMW X5M
Got a large family and need a three row SUV. Maybe an X7 Alpina!
@@BeNice76 X7 Alpina wow amazing, congrats man!
Id love to c a C7 Zr1 vs a C8 Z06
Me too!👍
Wow! Seeing these races have made my morning. I must say, I do enjoy the bi-direction races more than the single direction ones, but they both do it for me.
I'd take the 3 row Durango and save 40k
Yes and waste 40k more at petrol and at the mechanic 🤣
@@svorrkthey are pig on gas forsure! my friend has one and he needs to fill up at least 3x a week whenever he drives aggressively lol
I have a 2021 Hellcat Durango and launch it 0-60 in 3.4-3.5 all day in average DA... Also, I haven't ran less that an 11.7 in a quarter mile.... I suggest you set the launch control to a more feasible RPM. That truck running a 0-60 in 4.0 and a 12.0+ in the quarter is impossible. It's an automatic. My 8 year old son can run a quarter in under 12. Keep the launch control around 1800 RPM.
💯 either they have the rpm set near idle or they are at some crazy high elevation because at sea level it’s a mid 11s 1/4 and mid 3s to 60 all day long.
They tank the Durango on purpose. They did the same in another video with a Tesla that had no business even being in the same video frame, let alone race.
It's honestly amazing that Audi gets that much performance out of a 4.0l motor. And they're very detuned from the factory so a 93 octane Pump fuel APR tune adds another 150 horsepower and almost 170 foot pounds of torque for $899.
Agreed. The joke I've heard people tell is that only German cars can get a 150hp bump by sending an email. It looks like you can get more out of the cat as well, but that requires machining the supercharger out and replacing the pulleys. For the Germans, it's just closing the wastegates on the turbos and adding more fuel both through a tune.
You're right. I've got two cars with loads of APR, an MK7 Golf R, Stage 2, about 420 crank HP, and a B8 S4, Stage 2+ with about 470 HP. Lots of tuners out there but it's wildly easy to make about any VW product a fire breathing dragon.
Lamborghini Urus is an RSQ8 with even more power
It’s called boost. Look at the vr38. When it’s bored to 4.4 liters it can achieve 3500whp. Look at tk23 gtr
@@Ignacio.Romero it’s not. Lamborghini urus is naturally aspirated. You can’t compare that to turbocharged.
Considering the difference in price I'd say the Durango did a great job
😂😂😂
Durango is better less maintenance simple iron, cheaper parts , low and easy insurance
@@aulakhfarm610593k… but ok simple and easy… also it got beat by something with far less power… Idunno guys 😅
Considering the price, It's 106 thousand dollars for a durango with a very nice engine. The dodge should've beat it bad.
So it's not impressive that the audi with only 591hp beat the Durango with 710hp??? Wow!
Both vehicles are heat soaked. It’s fair game and a win for Audi.
You skipped the first race
@@themarathoncontinues2289 The one where the Durango left early by more than it "won" by?
It didn’t leave early.
Absolutely loved it ! That Durango is a whole lot heavier! Especially with that 6.2 motor ! Sheesh but it still put up a good battle .
There’s only 80lb’s in it. The Durango definitely isn’t putting out over 100hp more.
@@ryryrichard5988 out of an engine with 50% more volumetric capacity (4.0 vs 6.2L) it was an obligation to the dodge. It seems that the audi showed that has way better technology to get more power
Appreciate the more reserved voiceover schtick. Great video!!
I got passed by one of those Audi's the other day. I didn't know they existed. Sounded amazing. And left my old TL for dead. 😂
That Audi and the Urus are the same car but the Audi is over 100K cheaper.
Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the track hawk fit more in class with the Audi
It does, but Jeep discontinued the trackhawk in 21.
Turbo engines are really weird they outperform supercharged engines even when it's down on power.
Germans have a tendency to underrate their powertrains. Would be interesting to see both on the dyno to see what they put to the ground relative to what they are rated for.
Turbo technology is always better that's why there are few supercharged cars
Audi on a Dyno has 615 at the wheel
Less heatsoak and also Turbos are better up top where superchargers are better down low.
The Dodge is a whole lot heavier too
I’m pretty sure that Q8 is underrated. The 591 is probably closer to whp though, my guess. Probably around 680-700 at the crank. I guess it wouldn’t really matter if it’s not reaching the ground.
I believe this to be the case as well
I would love to see the Urus vs X6M. 🔥🔥
For almost 50k less, I'd say this is a win for the Durango.
Gute Arbeit, sehr unterhaltsam 👍
This was one of the best matchups and one I wanted to see! I'm begging to get your hands on a Audi RS6 Avant and race whatever you want! Maybe another wagon from BMW or Merc. Love these videos!!! 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁
I like the concept of the U-Drag!
Back to back the heat was getting to the Durango.
Think your right
They let the cars cool down they are out there all day and only show us the best runs.
Haha, loved the crypto pun in the beginning🤣🔥 awesome content keep it up!
I did and I didn't! I'm not kidding you - the very second I had money to play with I bought a bunch of crypto (I honestly believe it was like January 01, 2021) and the VERY NEXT day it took the most massive dump in history!!!! I'm down like $12,000 and frikin MAD!!!!! I have no choice now but to hold!!! 😡😡🤬🤬😠😠
Still holding my bag 🤦♂️
@@MidwestMotor that sucks😅 no real option but to hold rn😅
Great stuff again guys thank you Durango getting slower and stops longer after 10 race I couldn’t imagine the gap between
This test has a lot to do with driver skill.
Yes. And thermodynamics.
@gregmatson1470 They let them cool. We only see the best races. Red shirt can't drive thats all. He's scared to corner and it shows, whatever he drives loses its lead in the turn.
@@jaybomb5022 They did allude to heat soak in the video. A positive displacement supercharger and iron brakes vs. intercooled turbochargers and ceramic brakes highlight this. Of course, that's part of the reason the Audi costs 50% more.
@@jaybomb5022I saw from his demeanor alone that he's not that kinda driver. I knew he'd lose.
Well said 👏 👌
Hellcat does 3.3 -3.5 naught to 60 consistently. These dudes were blowing the launch
I will say they consistently run horrible times with it so that’s something at least. 😂😂
Really cool fast and the furious style race. That was awesome
That was fun to watch
could you stab the e-brake to get durango to rotate at the turn? that seemed to take a full second
It has an electronic e brake lol those days of hand brakes are gone fam
@@LafemmebearMusicthe Durango doesn’t have an electric brake, it is however a foot brake so not really a good fit for trying this sort of thing.
Team Audi!!!!
Realistic race. Love it!
Temperature and braking played a decent part nice
I'd like to watch these because the set up is interesting and unusual, but you guys take all the fun out of it by giving away the winner at the start of the video!
The Durango is so impressive, considering the price difference
Until you sit inside. Full of nespresso machine plastics.
@@youngman0520 🤣🤣
Not for me. 120HP difference and you still lose a race with one turn. Imagine the Audi with same HP.
@elliotcosmas that's a 3 row 7 seater SUV.... plus has a pushrod v8 instead of DOHC which means it isn't as efficient but let's talk about the price difference lol.
@@faisalsheikh9941 I think you answered your question, cheap engine, cheap interior poorly built car all-around. I suppose your next point would be those HPs aren't real because it wins hp per lb as well.
I feel like this is a great way to determine the best two drivers as well haha.
Great race.
I can't figure out how you can blame the brakes for this. The brakes did not give the Audi the jump off the line in the last two laps. The only way the Durango won the first lap was because it was faster off the line, for whatever reason.
That’s because they are screwing up the launch badly, the Durango runs 3.5 to 60 and launches much harder than they are managing (which is somehow only 4 seconds to 60).
Nope watch again. Red shirt can't turn. The audi decimated the Durango with a decent driver in the turn around.
1800 rpms is optimal on factory rubber for the durango. Any higher and it gets slower due to tire spin.
@@S8ER my best on factory rubber was 3.3. Just switching to continental extreme contacts it dropped to 2.9. I was able to launch at 2200 rpms. Need drag radials to be able to use the full 3500 launch rpm
@@BluestreakF150 I’ve managed 3.43 on the stock all seasons (3.23 with rollout subtracted like the magazines do). That was launching at 1700rpm but as mentioned the higher RPMs build more boost (3psi at 1700rpm, 6psi at 2200) and the tires just won’t stick well enough. 🍻
Can you U-drive a ford f150 lightning with extended battery?
1st off, the RS Q8 is a 5 seater, the S Q7 is the appropriate comparison. Sounds to me like a driver mod was all that was needed to have the Durango pull out both wins
Make u wonder if they sandbag
I wish you guys would also do a roll as well. You have the space. Why not ?
10 piston brake calipers on the Audi. Insane!
so which is better value?
They’re very different vehicles, so it’s not really a fair comparison in terms of value
Race was way too close for the price difference.
Isn't Power Per Ton a better metric?
I think the problem with these style of races is that it heavily considers the drivers still.
Correct.
Driver mod in an auto is real I guess😂
Another great Udrag. Great competitors. My take: Twin Turbo vs Supercharger. RS vs Hellcat. Never bet on Stellantis. They make Goliath...until they meet David😅. Has any Stellantis ever won a U Drag? Never look at the numbers on paper to pick a winner.
Considering the power difference that was close. I know there's weight of the dodge but it's got over 50% more cubic capacity to the audi and with it more power and torque but that 4.0 from Audi is a sweet unit... So strong.
Awesome reace! its sad both engines are going to go away soon :(
Why is that?
Pretty sure the 4.0 will be around for a bit longer. They still are working on new developments with it. The hellcat, well, it's always a 50/50 roll of the dice, but at least until 2024. I have a feeling more likely to no longer exist in 2026 due to supply and not challenger or hellcat offerings.
That just proves driver matters.....have to say we need driver change for sure....
Audi is known to seriously underrate their horsepower numbers. If you put that Q8 on a dyno I bet it would make a lot mora than 591hp.
Pls don't stop doing these
Well there you go. Now you see the difference between American engineering and German engineering. The German vehicle was consistent every single time while the American vehicle had to deal with over heating and fatigue. First launch for the Durango was strong though! 💪🏼
haha ha wait until German engineering comes into the workshop and squeezes your wallet and depreciates as fast as it accelerates, that Audi launch is tough. 💪
First launch was a jump. Watch it back.
@@ozy_6459немцы гораздо надёжнее американских вёдер) да и ещё гораздо экономичнее!
I have a 2023 Durango Hellcat. It is one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have ever driven and I have had a number of different vehicles: Mercedes G55, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Panamera GTS, Audi Q7S just to name a few. Not the best 3 row SUV for luxury, but definitely the best for performance and just fun to drive.
I love a race where it's so close that either car can win at any time
They really aren’t that different in price. The Audi is hands down the better car
Until something needs to be fixed
Nahh durango theres parts everywhere. Anything goes wrong in that audi and its not worth fixing.
@@dnegel9546thats nonsense but keep thinking that way.
Before watching- good match up. This one is tough because the audi punches well above it's weight. I think the hellcat will take it, but it will basically lag everywhere but the final straight.
After watching- okay I wasn't too far off, but the Durango's drag must be quite high to basically completely negate it's power advantage.
Clutch were over heating during shifting and brakes fades during the slow down zones on the Durango
Just remember, not only is the Audi faster here, but it will be world's better to drive everyday track or no track whereas the Hellcat is just an ancient(old Mercedes platform) 7 seater drag racer. To it's credit though, the Durango is significantly cheaper, but it's still NOWHERE near worth $70k, I don't care what engine it has in it.
I've owned 7 chargers, the last one being a scat pack. Then I owned 2 Durango SRT's. Last one being a 21. About a month ago I traded the 21 SRT for the audi SQ7. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BETWEEN BOTH SUVS is night and day.. But I can tell you my SQ7 would beat my SRT. It's all matter of taste and what you prefer.... A night on the town.. Yes the SQ7... you wanna feel like a bad boy.. SRT. I enjoyed the SRT but would rather stay in the audi... Yes less room but way better gas mileage
Does anyone know the weight of these two vehicles?
The Durango is 5575lbs officially (my personal spec is 5580lbs, MT scaled a tester at 5534lbs and C&Ds tester was 5512lbs.
Where does Dodge get their power numbers? They consistently have a hundred plus more power (or they claim) and get beat/driven away from.
They are purely numbers cars and can't put down the power. Plus they are heavy/inefficient.
Whp and crank hp are always gonna be different
American power, phahahaha
My Durango hellcat does 3 1/2 seconds all day every day. And I’ve used it in all kinds of condition winter spring summer fall.
Same experience here.. using the magazine numbers (rollout subtracted) mine does 3.2 but these guys managed 4+ seconds 🤯
Consistency is what I prefer. If that means throwing technology at it then there is your answer.
They need real drivers, you can tell who knows how to race.
I wonder if the Alpina XB7 is faster than either one of these.
Both great vehicles but for me the Dodge wins for its interior space.
Love. it 👍💯
With cars the tires play a big role the more they move the more the get sticky
❤ my ‘23 DDHC 🇺🇸
i havent seen U-drag before but damn it shouldve been more common
Damn, these U_Races never get old. Best format ever I'd love to see the new z06 vs a modern lamborghini, either a Huracan Evo, or an Aventador S/SV/SVJ
A little while back they did the Z06 vs a 765LT.
I know, but the 765 LT is a monster. Pretty much unfair to put anything but a hypercar against that beast. A Z06 vs a Huracan or Aventador could go either way. My money would be on the Z06 if it can get out of the hole decently @@ALMX5DP
Heat definitely played a part BUT!! its clear to see ...So did the Drivers
Love the races!! I think this show would benefit more if they did dyno pulls (3 minimum) to show real world power numbers. But definitely like the content so far, just want to see real world numbers where they count ( to the ground)
Screaming “power” is reserved for one car show host and one car host only 😂
Durango is only 215lbs heavier. Also the ceramic brakes are more apparent in repeated stops. For using just a few times a Durango will be similar if barely behind an RSQ8 in braking and maybe even cornering.
Bad launch the whole time
Jonathan definitely has the weight advantage. He can't weigh 100 lbs including the booster seat. Great racing!
Sweet
Hellacious Hellcat baby!!.it's such a "raw" mean machine!.I love it❤❤❤❤❤❤
I think the Dodge could have made a tighter turn, than using the whole apron to make a u turn.
X5m comp vs trackhawk would be cool
No replacement for displacement
The 1st to 2nd shift in the Durango looks like a flubbed manusl gear shift.
Turbocharging is better at heat management.
I think the race would've been closer with a Jeep TrackHawk instead of the Durango. Good race!!
They run essentially identical numbers. I would be interested in seeing that race as well but I wouldn’t expect the TrackHawk to do any better (or worse).
A tune and that audi will be a weapon that can’t be matched
Test the Hyundai Kona N and Subaru WRX
Stock RS2 option is better for that. The button is on the bottom right of the steering wheel. Press it twice.😅
RS modes only let you set each mode to how you want it. With them selecting dynamic, the Audi was in the highest settings already plus they ran with the ESC off. So unless the RS modes have a hidden feature that they only have then I dont see how it would have helped the Audi.
These are actually some slow numbers for the Audi as well. 3.9 0-60 is quite high, and the 1/4 mile was almost half a second off most tested times I’ve seen.
I know people make fun of the interior of the Durango and coming from a few range rovers and AMG‘s it’s different but I actually like my Durango hellcat and it’s the only one I plan on keeping all the others after three years or so I sell and a the few range rovers I had all had issues before the four year warranty was up. Now I’ve probably owned a dozen or so Mercedes and I’ve never had a problem with one of them. My Durango, I only have a year now but I’m having a lot of fun with it. I’m having more fun in my hellcat than I did in my past AMG‘s. They may have more luxury like soft closed doors and massage seats but I really like the Durango and it’s launch features etc. it really feels like a race car in a truck. And I’m not talking about price because if you can’t afford it you shouldn’t be buying one and when you do have money you buy what you like, I have the same philosophy about everything some days I’m wearing a five dollar T-shirt some days I’m wearing $1000 T-shirt some days I’m wearing a pair of $50 sneakers some days I’m wearing a pair of $1500 sneakers I buy what I like and and everyone should do the same. I’m going to put a few videos of my hellcat on my channel soon. I have someone recording the next time I go to the track.
So a V8 with 100+ more horse power Could not beat a 4.0T German SUV. less is more here I guess.
Aftermarket performance brakes are needed for the Durango SRT Hellcat.
Like to see the Durango against a Rivian.
With these guys that would be a waste of time as the Rivian would just smash the Durango results they are getting.
They are basically the same speed, so I'd go with the Dodge to save $40k and have more cargo area.