A8 Vs. S8 Vs. urS6 performance
09-12-2005, 01:24 PM
#1
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A8 Vs. S8 Vs. urS6 performance
A month after trading my beloved 95 S6 in for my 2002 A8L (for family reasons, namely safety) I have to say I am missing some performance aspects of the S6. The A8L has great seats, lights, driving position, lots of room for the family, safety, nice V8 torque etc. When I am driving by myself, however, I still miss the S6.
So how much different is the S8 in performance?
Certainly it is a rare car, is it worth trading up for a 2002 or 2003 S8? Is there that much difference in performance and handling?
I am tempted to trade up, if the difference is big.
Tom
2002A8L (great car, just not an S)
So how much different is the S8 in performance?
Certainly it is a rare car, is it worth trading up for a 2002 or 2003 S8? Is there that much difference in performance and handling?
I am tempted to trade up, if the difference is big.
Tom
2002A8L (great car, just not an S)
09-12-2005, 01:35 PM
#2
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Sounds pretty normal
I had a 91 200q before my A8, and when I first got it, I have to say that I did not like it as much.
Now that I've had it over four years, I think it's the best car I've ever had.
It's fast, it use to be quiet (exhuast and other things made it louder), it handles great, etc.
But I have done a ton of mods to it.
The S8 does have 360 HP, but a lot of that is due to the 1,000 or so higher RPM limit. The torque is still right around 310 lb-ft I believe.
I would give it some time, it's no Ur-S6, but it is in a class of its own.
The handling is better, but then again, you got a L....you could always add H&R's to it, but probably wouldn't like the ride nearly as much.
I say give it another month or so.
Now that I've had it over four years, I think it's the best car I've ever had.
It's fast, it use to be quiet (exhuast and other things made it louder), it handles great, etc.
But I have done a ton of mods to it.
The S8 does have 360 HP, but a lot of that is due to the 1,000 or so higher RPM limit. The torque is still right around 310 lb-ft I believe.
I would give it some time, it's no Ur-S6, but it is in a class of its own.
The handling is better, but then again, you got a L....you could always add H&R's to it, but probably wouldn't like the ride nearly as much.
I say give it another month or so.
09-12-2005, 02:20 PM
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If you haven't already, recode your transmission to sport mode
I was disappointed in my A8 at first too. Had to put H&R's on it, wider & lower profile tires, better brakes -- but the biggest improvement in the shortest amount of time came from recoding the tranny to sport mode.
Oh yeah, and the stainless steel exhaust tips. 35 hp right there...
Brian<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/auto_transmission/codingtransmission.html">recoding the A8 tranny, from PaulW's site</a></li></ul>
Oh yeah, and the stainless steel exhaust tips. 35 hp right there...
Brian<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/auto_transmission/codingtransmission.html">recoding the A8 tranny, from PaulW's site</a></li></ul>
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09-12-2005, 08:47 PM
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here are my thoughts.....
I owned a 92 S4 with RS2 manifold MTM stage 2+ software and exhaust, Brembo's and Koni's. I currently have an S8 and owned a 97 A8 before hand.
The S8 is a noticable improvment over the A8... ride is firmer and more planted then the A8. The transmicssion shift more quickly and percisely then the A8. The extra 60 or 50hp depending on year is a very welcome addition. Brakes are much better then A8 and more confidence inspiring. To me the A8 (stock) and S8 are really two different cars.... S8 is much more or a "drivers" car then the A8... handels better is faster and more engaging then the A8. A8 owners please know that I really enjoyed my A8 but the S8 feels more together then the A8 did. I never did modify my A8 so I can't tell you how well it takes to changes.
As for the S8 S4/S6 comparo.... they are also two differnt cars.... but if you like the S6 you will be more connected to the S8 and will feel more at home but way more refined. The suspension and over all set up will make the car feel smaller then it is. I love my S8, loved my S4 and enjoyed my A8.
Don't know if this helps.
The S8 is a noticable improvment over the A8... ride is firmer and more planted then the A8. The transmicssion shift more quickly and percisely then the A8. The extra 60 or 50hp depending on year is a very welcome addition. Brakes are much better then A8 and more confidence inspiring. To me the A8 (stock) and S8 are really two different cars.... S8 is much more or a "drivers" car then the A8... handels better is faster and more engaging then the A8. A8 owners please know that I really enjoyed my A8 but the S8 feels more together then the A8 did. I never did modify my A8 so I can't tell you how well it takes to changes.
As for the S8 S4/S6 comparo.... they are also two differnt cars.... but if you like the S6 you will be more connected to the S8 and will feel more at home but way more refined. The suspension and over all set up will make the car feel smaller then it is. I love my S8, loved my S4 and enjoyed my A8.
Don't know if this helps.
09-13-2005, 04:18 PM
#9
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Re: here are my thoughts.....
Thank you, you were very helpful. I will look for a 2003 S8, when the time is right. I guess I really got hooked on the S6, and I am not as in love with the A8 as I was with the UrS6.
Anyway, I wanted a safe vehicle for the family, and certainly could not have done better.
You have a great car collection!
Tom
Anyway, I wanted a safe vehicle for the family, and certainly could not have done better.
You have a great car collection!
Tom
09-14-2005, 10:25 AM
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My .02
Hi Tom,
I moved last year from a 97 A6 to a 98 A8. My A6 was a dog on acceleration, but handled beautifully thanks to Eibach springs, Bilsteins and 17" S4 wheels with Eagle GSD3's.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55253/passenger.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55253/driver.jpg">
The A8 ride was smooth but lacking in the handling that I'd been used to. Long story short, Eibach Pro-Kit, Bilstein Sports, 18" S4 wheels with Eagle GSD3's, a tip recode and performance exhaust have made me a very happy A8 convert. Nosedive in braking was considerably reduced, handling is much tighter without too harsh a ride and the exhaust sounds much more aggressive than stock. (Although probably not to everyone's liking :-)) Good luck with yours!
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55253/imgp1153256.jpg">
I moved last year from a 97 A6 to a 98 A8. My A6 was a dog on acceleration, but handled beautifully thanks to Eibach springs, Bilsteins and 17" S4 wheels with Eagle GSD3's.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55253/passenger.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55253/driver.jpg">
The A8 ride was smooth but lacking in the handling that I'd been used to. Long story short, Eibach Pro-Kit, Bilstein Sports, 18" S4 wheels with Eagle GSD3's, a tip recode and performance exhaust have made me a very happy A8 convert. Nosedive in braking was considerably reduced, handling is much tighter without too harsh a ride and the exhaust sounds much more aggressive than stock. (Although probably not to everyone's liking :-)) Good luck with yours!
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55253/imgp1153256.jpg">