BenC

Edmund's Auto site lists the A4 front headroom at 38" and lists the A8 at 37". Can this be right? I find it hard to belive that an A4 has 1" more headroom than an A8. Will an A8 owner please comment. Thanks.

Tommy T

I am an A4 owner, but one of those pesky people always hanging around the dealership. I've sat in a number of A8s and have always been surprised that they feel more cramped than my A4. I'm 6'2" but with a very long torso (32" pant inseam). As a result, I bang up against the roof of almost every car I drive so even small differences are noticeable to me.

In the A4, I have to rake the seat ever so slightly to keep my hair from attaching in a static induced fashion to the headliner. In the A8, it was impossible without feeling reclined. (Probably only 2-5 degrees more tilt, but feels like more...) Once I reclined too much, I couldn't reach the steering wheel comfortably any more.

For headroom, I suggest the A6. Even with the Sunroof, I found that this car had plenty in the front and just enough in the back that I thought I could last for a long drive without my back giving out from slouching. I'd definitely consider the A6 4.2 over the A8. More room, sportier, CHEAPER, and just as much standard equipment. In fact, this may explain why Audi is offering the A8 for $10K off the MSRP these days.

Tommy T
98 A4 2.8QM (buy me for $24,350 with 54K miles)
00 S4 (as soon as the A4 sells)

Manny

I own both an'99 A8 and a '96 A4. The headroom depends on seating position. If you sit close to the Steering wheel, then the A4 does have slightly more headroom. As you pull back (I'm 5'9"), the A8 is much better. In fact, the A8 is far better for the rear passengers than the front. Of course, you can raise or lower the seat height in both cars.

The A8 has a sleeker roof shape - the A4 is more of a bubble. The A4 has more of a "circle" shape that drops sharply as you reach the ends. The A8 is flatter.

As for roominess. The A8 is definitely bigger!!! I never thought the A4 was so small till I got the A8. The A4 is really tiny next to the A8. Looking at both you wouldn't think so. Try to park them in the garage as I do, and you'll see.

Bob Lewis

I have an A8 and an A4. The A8 is far roomier in all regards, including headroom.