A8 "vs" S8

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Nov 20, 1998 | 08:15 PM

Paul

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A8 "vs" S8

Hello all:Has anyone actually compared (from the driver's seat...) the A8 and the S8. I'm amazed that the S8 isn't on offer in North America, and would love to hear from people who have driven both. Is the S version of the A8 as significantly better than the old S6 was relative to the A6?Anyone care to confirm my feeling that buying an A8 is almost foolish, given that the S8 exists (and thus, should be privately imported?).Thanks in advance!Paul

Nov 21, 1998 | 06:42 AM

CHRISTIAN

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Re: A8 "vs" S8

First, you will never be able to privately import an S8 without spending LOTS of money. Many of my friends with Coupe Quattros looked into importing the S2, but it will cost you sooooo much money (they estimated 30K+), that it is not worth it. Will we get the S8 in America? No, I doubt it, we rarely get S cars over here, and look how long it has taken them to import the new S4. The S4 was suppossed to be here last summer, and now it looks like we won't get it until next fall. I have never heard any rumors about the S8 coming over, so don't count on it.The new A8 update has the 5 valve engine (due in USA mid-year I think), and hp is up to 310 in the 4.2. The S8 has 340 hp, so you will still be less powerful, and not able to have a manual tranny. I would buy the A8 with the 5 valve engine, go to your dealer and ask him to order one.Now, you can "retrofit" the S8 package; buy some 18" rims, lower it, and talk to some tuners about more power (exhaust, intake).Good luck, and let us know what you do!Christian J. Long

Nov 21, 1998 | 08:44 AM

Ingo

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Re: A8 "vs" S8

There will be a new S8 in about 2 years from now. It´ll be twin-turbocharged and will have about 450+Hp. THIS is power! (Information from Auto-Bild) Ingo ´97 A3 1.8T

Nov 21, 1998 | 12:38 PM

rodrigo

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can you tell me how to get to auto-bild's page and if so, is it in english??????

Nov 21, 1998 | 01:58 PM

Rich D.

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Saw an A8/S8 "conversion" at Road America Quattro Club event...

It was an A8 modified by Sport Wheels (a Colorado-based Audi tuner -- www.sportwheels.com). They offer the factory S8 suspension and brakes, and a MTM engine upgrade which includes some factory S8 parts. The car at Road America even had real S8 badges.Rich D.

Nov 21, 1998 | 06:42 PM

joemamma

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Re: A8 "vs" S8

actually.... getting a car here from Europe has a lot to do with who you know and luck, but mostly luck. A friend I know had an A3 imported and licensed here in Washington. some of you may have seen it at SEMA in the H&R booth.