exam23

Hello all...

I am new to this forum and I am in the process of deciding which version to go with... Which one would you guys pick and why?

Jack88

I have the 4.2, and I prefer it for it's slight bump in power and the sound is more suitable to the car. The 6 cylinder, dynamically speaking, is certainly sufficient for most people but to me it sounds relatively unrefined.

Seaclav

Take a look at this thread for a brief discussion on the various different engine options: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...-0tdi-2870692/

All other things being equal, I suspect most of us would prefer the 4.2 (yeah, I know, I m biased as it's what I drive), but the youngest 4.2s are now three years old and the 3.0Ts that are available will likely have all the advantages of younger cars.
If you had a choice of a car with the same options, similar price, and similar mileage / wear and tear, I'd go for the 4.2 every time.
A 2012 4.2 vs a 2014 3.0T with 20+K miles difference would be a much tighter decision....


John

The_Capt

I have a 4.2 L, and have driven loaner d4 L's in both 3.0T and 3.0TDI variants. IMHO, the driving experience is different to each car.

The 4.2 gives you the best visceral connection to driving a performance car whereas the 3.0T seems to be stretching to it's limits to deliver the same experience, and lacks that thrust of torque you'd like to feel and hear. The TDI is just way different all around as that diesel turbo lag takes some getting use to in city driving. However, on the freeway I'd say the TDI and 4.2 are neck in neck in terms of power and pull when applying throttle.

I haven't driven a 4.0T yet, but I'm sure it takes the crown from the 4.2

Puzz1

I have the 3.0 and find it more than adequate for both city and highway driving. It pulls very well in passing and on ramps and the 28 to 30 mpg highway is sweet too. I cross shopped this car with the S6 and decided that I wouldn't get to truly wring out that drive train given my commuting patterns and high percentage of in town driving. So for me the cost/benefit wasn't there so I opted for the bigger more comfortable car. If you absolutely need the V8, then go for it, but 3.0 is a great value IMHO.

kobanna

I have been driving Audi's 4.2 for 10 years now and I just love that engine. The A8 is a large car and the engine always feels up to the job. I had a A7 loaner and was underwhelmed by the 3.0. I know it is tuned differently in the A8 but felt the A7 was either a little under powered, or the power felt like it came at high rpms which made it feel less smooth. I would choose the most powerful engine I could get over any other option.

My father-in-law has also been driving Audi's 4.2 for 10+ years and he says he would get the 3.0 in his next A8 and wouldn't consider the other engine choices. He thinks the engine has enough power but is lighter and makes the car more nimble. He would rather spend the extra money on options rather than horsepower.

I guess it comes down to what is important to you in a car. For my next car, I want a 911, my father-in-law wants a Bently. We both love our A8s but not necessarily for the same reasons.

jago1

like kobanna I've had several 4.2s and prefer it to the 6 cyl variations. I agree it feels the 3.0T is working to keep up the pace. its part of the reason I got out of an A7 into my D4. also recently had an A6 3.0T loaner that I mistook for the 4 cyl til i checked the badge lol