I think your perspective is too small. R is a DSL for data and statistics. Matlab is used in academia and industry across all engineering disciplines, where data and statistics is but a small subset of its total capabilities.<p>You will never be able to use R to model a Kalman filter, calculate stresses in a beam, or simulate engine control logic.<p>I refer you to Matlab&#x27;s toolbox list. <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.mathworks.com&#x2F;products&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.mathworks.com&#x2F;products&#x2F;</a>