Audi A8 vs. S8 - modcarsforsale.com

Stock Motor

The Audi A8 and the Audi S8, that cater to discerning drivers seeking a blend of opulence and exhilaration. In this article, we'll delve into a detailed comparison of the stock motors of these models, providing details about their 0-60 acceleration, torque, horsepower, top speed, quarter mile time, lap times, powertrain configuration, transmission type, power-to-weight ratio, and RPM (shaft speed).

0-60 Acceleration:

Audi A8: The Audi A8's stock motor, available in various engine options, achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 5.6 to 6.3 seconds, depending on the specific powertrain.

Audi S8: The Audi S8's stock motor, known for its sporty nature, accelerates from 0-60 mph in a remarkable 3.8 to 4.5 seconds, showcasing its high-performance capabilities.

Torque:

Audi A8: The Audi A8's engines produce a torque ranging from 273 lb-ft to 664 lb-ft, depending on the engine variant.

Audi S8: The Audi S8's robust V8 engine delivers a significant torque output of around 590 lb-ft, providing impressive acceleration and passing power.

Horsepower:

Audi A8: The horsepower for the Audi A8 varies depending on the engine option, ranging from approximately 335 to 577 horsepower.

Audi S8: The Audi S8's powerful V8 engine generates a remarkable horsepower of approximately 563, highlighting its high-performance pedigree.

Top Speed:

Audi A8: The Audi A8's top speed varies based on the engine variant, ranging from an electronically-limited 130 mph to 155 mph.

Audi S8: The Audi S8's electronically-limited top speed is set at 155 mph, aligning with its sporty nature and performance-oriented capabilities.

Quarter Mile Time:

Audi A8: The quarter mile time for the Audi A8 ranges from approximately 13.6 to 15.1 seconds, depending on the specific engine and powertrain configuration.

Audi S8: The Audi S8 covers the quarter mile in an impressive time of approximately 12.1 seconds, showcasing its high-performance capabilities.

Lap Times:

Audi A8: The Audi A8, designed as a luxurious executive sedan, prioritizes comfort and refinement over lap times and aggressive driving dynamics.

Audi S8: The Audi S8, with its performance-focused tuning and suspension, exhibits impressive lap times, making it a standout in its class.

Powertrain Configuration:

Audi A8: The Audi A8 offers a range of powertrain options, including V6, V8, and W12 engines, available in both gasoline and diesel variants.

Audi S8: The Audi S8 features a potent V8 engine with twin-turbochargers, optimized for exhilarating performance and driving pleasure.

Transmission Type:

Audi A8: The Audi A8 comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and precise gear shifts for a refined driving experience.

Audi S8: The Audi S8's power is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission, designed to handle the high torque output of the V8 engine.

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

Audi A8: The power-to-weight ratio of the Audi A8 varies depending on the engine variant, with an emphasis on luxury and comfort over pure performance.

Audi S8: The Audi S8 boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio, thanks to its powerful V8 engine and lightweight construction, offering an exceptional driving experience.

RPM (Shaft Speed):

Audi A8: The Audi A8's engines provide a broad RPM range, with ample power and torque available across various driving conditions.

Audi S8: The Audi S8's V8 engine delivers power and torque at higher RPM ranges, enhancing its high-performance capabilities during spirited driving.

Tuning Ability

Audi A8 Tuning Potential:

The Audi A8, known for its luxurious and executive appeal, may not be as commonly tuned as its sportier counterparts. However, there are still tuning options available to enhance its performance and driving dynamics.

Specific Products for Audi A8:

Performance Intake System: Upgrading to a high-flow intake system improves air intake, increasing horsepower and throttle response for a more spirited driving experience.

Performance Exhaust System: A performance exhaust system with larger diameter pipes and free-flowing mufflers enhances exhaust flow, delivering a sportier sound and added power.

ECU Remapping: Custom engine tuning through Electronic Control Unit (ECU) remapping can optimize fuel and ignition settings, extracting more power and torque from the engine.

Audi S8 Tuning Potential:

The Audi S8, being a high-performance model, offers a wide range of tuning possibilities for driving enthusiasts seeking more power and an exhilarating experience.

Specific Products for Audi S8:

Performance Intake System: Upgrading to a high-performance cold air intake system enhances air flow, increasing power and torque output for improved acceleration.

Performance Exhaust System: A high-flow performance exhaust system complements the engine upgrades, providing better exhaust flow and an aggressive exhaust note.

Forced Induction Upgrades: Turbocharger and supercharger kits offer significant horsepower gains, transforming the S8 into a high-powered sports sedan.

Fuel Management Systems: Upgrading to standalone fuel management systems ensures precise fuel delivery, supporting increased power levels and optimal engine performance.

Ignition Upgrades: High-performance ignition systems improve spark energy, enhancing combustion efficiency and overall engine power.

Affordability and Accessibility:

Audi A8: The tuning options for the Audi A8 may be more limited compared to high-performance models like the S8, and the availability of specific upgrades could be restricted.

Audi S8: The aftermarket support for the Audi S8 is extensive, with numerous reputable tuning companies offering various upgrade options tailored to unleash its full potential.

Suspension

Audi A8 Suspension:

Air Suspension: The Audi A8 is equipped with an advanced adaptive air suspension system, providing a plush and comfortable ride. This system adjusts the ride height and damping according to driving conditions, offering a smooth journey over varying road surfaces.

Comfort Focus: The A8's suspension tuning emphasizes comfort and refinement, creating a serene driving experience for occupants. The suspension is engineered to absorb road imperfections and provide a serene ride for long-distance travel.

Audi S8 Suspension:

Adaptive Air Suspension: The Audi S8 also features an adaptive air suspension system, but with a sportier tune. This system adjusts the suspension settings based on driving modes, allowing for a more responsive and dynamic driving experience.

Sporty Dynamics: The S8's suspension is designed to deliver enhanced handling and agility. It features stiffer damping and lower ride height settings, offering improved cornering performance and reduced body roll.

Driving Dynamics:

Audi A8: The A8's suspension prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for executives and passengers seeking a relaxed and refined driving experience.

Audi S8: The S8's suspension focuses on sporty dynamics and agility, catering to driving enthusiasts who desire spirited performance and precise handling.

Adjustable Suspension (Optional):

Audi A8: The Audi A8 may offer an optional adaptive suspension package that allows drivers to switch between comfort and sport modes, adjusting the ride characteristics based on personal preferences.

Audi S8: The S8 typically comes standard with adaptive suspension that offers multiple driving modes, enabling drivers to fine-tune the suspension for comfort or sportiness.

Ground Clearance:

Audi A8: The A8's adaptive air suspension allows the driver to adjust the ride height, ensuring sufficient ground clearance for various driving conditions.

Audi S8: The S8's suspension may offer a lower ride height setting for improved aerodynamics and a more aggressive stance, enhancing its sporty appearance.

Weight Distribution:

Audi A8: The A8's suspension is designed to maintain a balanced weight distribution, contributing to stability and handling, particularly during high-speed cruising.

Audi S8: The S8's suspension tuning is optimized for performance, ensuring that weight transfer during cornering is managed effectively for improved grip and agility.

Ride Comfort vs. Sportiness:

Audi A8: The A8's suspension tuning leans towards ride comfort, providing a serene and cosseting experience, ideal for luxurious long-distance travel.

Audi S8: The S8's suspension strikes a balance between ride comfort and sportiness, offering a dynamic driving experience without compromising on passenger comfort.

Interior

Audi A8 Interior:

Understated Elegance: The Audi A8 boasts an interior design characterized by clean lines and a timeless aesthetic. The focus is on understated elegance, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin.

Premium Materials: The A8's interior is adorned with premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces, genuine wood trims, and high-quality leather upholstery, enhancing its luxurious feel.

Audi S8 Interior:

Sporty Luxury: The Audi S8's interior combines sporty elements with luxury features, appealing to drivers seeking a dynamic driving experience without compromising on opulence.

Performance-Inspired Elements: The S8's interior features sportier touches, such as carbon fiber accents, contrast stitching, and bolstered sport seats that provide added support during spirited driving.

Infotainment and Technology:

Audi A8: The A8 offers a sophisticated infotainment system with dual touchscreens and haptic feedback controls. The MMI system provides seamless connectivity, navigation, and driver assistance features.

Audi S8: The S8 boasts the same advanced infotainment system with added performance-oriented displays, catering to the driver's desire for real-time performance information.

Comfort and Luxury:

Audi A8: The A8 focuses on pampering passengers with comfortable seating, multi-zone climate control, and noise-cancelling technology that creates a serene cabin environment.

Audi S8: The S8 balances comfort and sportiness, offering supportive sport seats with massage functions for the driver and front passenger, maintaining a luxurious ambiance.

Seating and Interior Space:

Audi A8: The A8 provides spacious and comfortable seating for all passengers, emphasizing a relaxing and inviting environment.

Audi S8: The S8 retains the A8's spaciousness while offering sportier, bolstered seats with increased lateral support for a snug fit during spirited driving.

Performance-Oriented Details:

Audi A8: The A8's interior emphasizes comfort and luxury, with controls and displays designed for easy access and convenience.

Audi S8: The S8's interior includes sportier details like the S-specific steering wheel, carbon fiber inlays, and aluminum pedals, accentuating its high-performance nature.

Ambient Lighting:

Audi A8: The A8 offers customizable ambient lighting that enhances the cabin's ambiance and can be adjusted to suit different moods.

Audi S8: The S8's ambient lighting adds a touch of excitement with dynamic colors and patterns that align with the car's sporty character.

Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail:

Audi A8: The A8 exemplifies Audi's meticulous craftsmanship, focusing on delivering a harmonious and comfortable environment with attention to every detail.

Audi S8: The S8's interior maintains the same attention to detail while incorporating sporty accents, like contrasting stitching and unique seat designs.