Bada Bing

It has slightly less horsepower but gobs more torque (391 lb-ft vs 317).

I agree with you that sizewise, the S8 competes with the S55, but pricewise, it is more in E55 and M5 category.

Bada Bing

Using your logic, how do you justify $50K+ for your A6 4.2?

Tabor Kelly

Yes. But the Mercedes does it in 5.5L, the Audi does it in 4.2L

Bada Bing

people will pit the ultimate offerings from each of these manufacturers, and even though the S8 is significantly cheaper than the S55 AMG, there is no way it can match the sheer torque of that 5.5 liter engine.

I was afraid from Audi's performance claims that the S8 would not even perform favorably next to the S500, but it is apparently quicker than the S500.

Considering that the S8 is priced closer to an S430, it seems like a relative bargain!

bumboola

I drove an S55 and an S8 and decided on the Audi. The price was not a factor. The Mercedes has lots of power but the handling in no way compares to the Audi. I love the understated, classy looks of the Audi in comparision to the Mercedes, which I felt like a drug dealer driving around in. A car guy would go for the Audi hands down.

SLLAW

As a businessman, I know that some buyers will always choose the costliest product, even if it is more than they need or even the wrong product for their needs. Bragging rights belong to those who spend the most. I appreciate my A6 even more after recently driving a Volvo S-80 for several days and a Jaguar XJ4.0 for a day. I can get just about any sedan I wish, but the sensible car that I want is a car that I can't buy in the USA: a diesel, all-wheel-drive, sport station wagon. So I chose the A6 4.2 with the sport package, which so far has been a good car, because it came closest to meeting my criteria. The S8 wasn't available when I ordered my A6 nine months ago, but may be my next car. I'd love a diesel S8.

TOASTY

mike... i heard you met my brother?

THE MEROVINGIAN

Aluminium is expensive to build cars with, that would have somerthing to do with it.