Rosie39j

Looking at 12's and 13's, want the v8 and fairly loaded. Frustrating as its hard to find a low mile '12 or a v8 '13. Ran across an 11 that's the nicest A8 I've seen, only 30,000 miles and obscenely loaded up, (rear comfort, video, driver assistance, winter,etc), and in my favorite color Oolong black. Can get Audi warranty for another four years and 60,000 miles.

How much am I giving up between an '11, and going up to a 12, and/or the 13 in 4.0 version? Changes seem subtle if at all...

Thanks for any wisdom!

Jack88

The 2013 4.0t is a lot faster of a car, but drives the same on a day to day basis. Between 2011 and 2012, 3G hotspot became standard, as opposed to a late MY2011 option. 2013 introduced the fancy pants overhead view for the backup camera, if I recall, which is also nice. As to the warranty, no. You can buy a warranty at the dealer, but it won't be from Audi. I should note that I purchased a warranty and after trying to use it twice, and getting denied, I sold it back. They cost more than they are worth, I've had less than $200 repairs in the past 18 months and 20,000 miles (up to 68,000 now)

Rosie39j

Thanks Jack - good points. I have special respect for you in light of you owning a 1989 Iroc Z!!

Jack88

Ha! Happy to help. Interestingly, the Iroc is the slowest of the 3, even with the 350 warmed over a bit.

As far as the three model years, you'll get a substantial discount on the 4.2's as compared to the 4.0t, and I don't personally care for the 3.0t. Even though power is sufficient, the 3.0t just makes the wrong engine note for the car. Personal preference, gotta have a V8 or better.

Rosie39j

Yeah I decided the same thing after driving the 3.0 and v8's back to back. Trying to convince my 15 year old that he'd rule the school in an Iroc ...

Seaclav

Read this thread for my seat of the pants thoughts on the differences between the various engines and years.

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...-0tdi-2870692/

frybear

you guys are mean! I have a 2013 3.0 and it's fine! drove the 4.0 and honestly couldn't tell enough of a difference to justify it. I didn't even notice a real engine growl difference. My BMW V8 was much throatier. I will also say that my connect is 2G, not 3G, just FYI.

Jack88

On a day to day basis, there is little difference between any of the engines. Where it becomes obvious is when you put your foot to the floor. All versions pass with authority, but the V8's do it with aplomb, where the V6 requires you to kick it in the pants to get the giddyup. I had one for a few days as a loaner, and while I found the V6 more than sufficient, I was quite happy to have my 4.2 back. I did like the improved back up camera and HUD, but as an enthusiast, I always got the sense that the V6 had to work hard to go beyond you usual tooling around town, and I couldn't do with that sensation.

Jimmy31

Very diplomatically said.

derfA8L

I believe I've commented before that my experience is that the 3.0 V6 is more than adequate for around town runs (city or suburban), but if you spend more than a little time on the open highway then, as Jack suggests, the supercharged V6 can be found to be somewhat taxed and lacking that "kick-in-the-pants" factor that either the 4.2 or 4.0 V8s will deliver. Having lived with both versions of these V8s I can say that the bi-turbo rush of the 4.0T V8 goes beyond that of the normally aspirated 4.2 V8, and, by comparison to both the 4.2 and 3.0T, is a torque monster. And in the final analysis, it's all about torque, isn't it? 😈

2013 A8/A8L
3.0T V6 NWB/LWB: HP= 333@5500 Torque= 325 ft lbs @2900 0-60mph= 5.5 sec
4.0T V8 NWB/LWB: HP= 420@5000 Torque= 444 ft lbs @1500 0-60mph= 4.7/4.8 sec

2011/2012 A8/8L
4.2L V8 NWB/LWB: HP= 372@6800 Torque= 328 ft lbs @3500 0-60mph= 5.7/5.8 sec