So what exactly are the differences between the A8 and S8?
05-19-2004, 07:05 AM
#1
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So what exactly are the differences between the A8 and S8?
Ok, here's what I know...
Engine: It has the 40V motor, but are there any other differences? Compression, cams, exhaust? What is the HP compared to the same yr A8?
Tranny: I know the gearing is different, but is it the same auto tranny as the 00+ A8?
Suspension: I know it's stiffer, but is just stiffer coils, or does it have coilovers and/or a completely different suspension? I also know the sway bars are larger.
Exterior: The infamous 18" S8 rims, badging, but what else on the outside makes it an S8?
Interior: Seats are different, steering wheel, what else?
Colby
Engine: It has the 40V motor, but are there any other differences? Compression, cams, exhaust? What is the HP compared to the same yr A8?
Tranny: I know the gearing is different, but is it the same auto tranny as the 00+ A8?
Suspension: I know it's stiffer, but is just stiffer coils, or does it have coilovers and/or a completely different suspension? I also know the sway bars are larger.
Exterior: The infamous 18" S8 rims, badging, but what else on the outside makes it an S8?
Interior: Seats are different, steering wheel, what else?
Colby
05-19-2004, 07:10 AM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 7,850
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know the S8 has 40-50 more hp...
but that's all I know. There is a difference in the cams, which I think accounts for the difference in HP. I know the engines are all 4.2L, so there is no real difference in displacement. I just gleaned all that from hanging out here for about a year. Eek!
05-19-2004, 07:12 AM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
Re: So what exactly are the differences between the A8 and S8?
You've got it right...the motor is 360 HP, has different valve trains and cams, etc.
The tranny is the same with different gear, the rear end is also gearing to match.
It has different springs/struts....the same exact suspension otherwise....sway bars are a little bigger.
Sport seats, different steering wheel, also has a S8 instrument cluster....other than that, about the same.
An 01 was just posted to audipages marketplace yesterday.....you might want to check it out, but asking price is $52K
The tranny is the same with different gear, the rear end is also gearing to match.
It has different springs/struts....the same exact suspension otherwise....sway bars are a little bigger.
Sport seats, different steering wheel, also has a S8 instrument cluster....other than that, about the same.
An 01 was just posted to audipages marketplace yesterday.....you might want to check it out, but asking price is $52K
05-19-2004, 07:12 AM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Let's see......
so far you've listed differences to:
engine
gearing
suspension
exterior
interior
What else is there? Might I suggest going to the main Audiworld page, go to model guide, go to historical and download the spec sheets for both cars.....
engine
gearing
suspension
exterior
interior
What else is there? Might I suggest going to the main Audiworld page, go to model guide, go to historical and download the spec sheets for both cars.....
05-19-2004, 07:14 AM
#5
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: So what exactly are the differences between the A8 and S8?
My limited knowledge:
Engine: 300 v 330 hp for pre-2000 facelift models; 310 v 360 hp after that
Exterior: chrome wing mirrors (cast polished aluminium, I think)
I think the brakes may be superior on the S8 as well, but I'm not sure.
In Europe the A8 also came in a Sport derivative. That had a lot of the S features: eg the suspension, the interior, but not the different gearing, higher hp. I've got a 4.2 Sport and my mate's got an S8. There's not much difference to see interior/exterior wise: the badges, the wheels and the wing mirrors are about it.
The extras list on the S8 was also shorter than on any other A8, including the 4.2 Sport, because more kit was loaded as standard.
Engine: 300 v 330 hp for pre-2000 facelift models; 310 v 360 hp after that
Exterior: chrome wing mirrors (cast polished aluminium, I think)
I think the brakes may be superior on the S8 as well, but I'm not sure.
In Europe the A8 also came in a Sport derivative. That had a lot of the S features: eg the suspension, the interior, but not the different gearing, higher hp. I've got a 4.2 Sport and my mate's got an S8. There's not much difference to see interior/exterior wise: the badges, the wheels and the wing mirrors are about it.
The extras list on the S8 was also shorter than on any other A8, including the 4.2 Sport, because more kit was loaded as standard.
Trending Topics
05-19-2004, 08:27 AM
#10
New Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think I have one of the A8s from Germany with the S8
suspension upgrades. I talked to the previous owner and he ordered the car in Hamburg with the high performance suspension option. The ride is actually pretty harsh.