Help with decision
11-14-2004, 07:13 AM
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Help with decision
I'm coming off a 2002 s500.I test drove the a8l and really liked it.a couple of question,how does the quattro differ fro the 4matic?also is there a big difference(in ice and snow) from the 18" all season tires to the 19' all season tires? Did any of you switch from a s500 to a A8l and what are your thoughts? thanks
11-14-2004, 09:21 AM
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Re: Help with decision
Quatro and 4matic are pretty much similair, maybe they use different settings, ie. Quatro has 50/50 torque split.
As for tires, the size does not matter, if you put same tires on 18 and 19 inch wheels then the grip produced by each will be the same. The 19 just has shorter sidewalls, resulting in less side-wall flex when cornering. Thus, just get good all season tires for whatever wheel you want.
I looked at S500 before getting A8, I thought the cabin was too cluttered, nor did the car come with 4WD as standard. MMI and aluminium with the sporty attitude of the A8 make it the finest car one could buy imho.
Enjoy the car.
As for tires, the size does not matter, if you put same tires on 18 and 19 inch wheels then the grip produced by each will be the same. The 19 just has shorter sidewalls, resulting in less side-wall flex when cornering. Thus, just get good all season tires for whatever wheel you want.
I looked at S500 before getting A8, I thought the cabin was too cluttered, nor did the car come with 4WD as standard. MMI and aluminium with the sporty attitude of the A8 make it the finest car one could buy imho.
Enjoy the car.
11-14-2004, 11:50 AM
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At least your salesperson didn't claim quattro is made by Mercedes!
Click <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/71268.phtml">*here*</a> for a recent discussion on the subject. The main benefit of quattro that I see is its purely mechanical nature - simple and instantaneous, with no electronics to get in the way or break down. 4Matic is a part-time AWD system. Search the forums for more info.
11-14-2004, 12:21 PM
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I traded in my "98 S500 for my "01 A8L
I first looked at the 2001 S500, but I didn't like the interior. I didn't like the fact that the newer model now had 3 valves per cylinder rather than 4, and was also down on power. When Mercedes introduced the current S-class, I was very disappointed with every aspect including the new smaller size. The current S-class is just a stretched E-class with airmatic.
When I looked at the "01Audi A8L I was impressed with the whole package. The interior was superior, the car looked much sportier than the S-class, the engine had 5 valve technology and more power, then add Quattro and the aluminum body. I bought that first A8L on the spot and drove it home. I was that impressed.
Now I'm on my second A8L, and I can tell you I did not even consider an S-class Merc. This new A8L is that good. The only other sedan I would even consider now would have to be the Quatroporte. But when the new S8 comes out, the Quatroporte would not be a consideration for me anymore.
When I looked at the "01Audi A8L I was impressed with the whole package. The interior was superior, the car looked much sportier than the S-class, the engine had 5 valve technology and more power, then add Quattro and the aluminum body. I bought that first A8L on the spot and drove it home. I was that impressed.
Now I'm on my second A8L, and I can tell you I did not even consider an S-class Merc. This new A8L is that good. The only other sedan I would even consider now would have to be the Quatroporte. But when the new S8 comes out, the Quatroporte would not be a consideration for me anymore.
