Audi A8 vs BMW 7

**Ripped** · 09-25-2009 02:47 PM

I've been looking into getting a new car.

I currently have a 2004 730d. I'm looking to get something faster.

I'm considering a 2005 BMW 760 or an 2005 Audi W12 6.0 A8.
Both have 450 hp, the A8 is a bit faster.

Has anyone driven both a 7 series and an A8 and can give me a comparison between the two.

I recently had an inside look into a A8. I really like the interior of the A8, looks great in black, and the W12 is a great engine.

I'm loving the 7, it's an amazing vehicle, but I'm a bit reluctant to get the same car that I have, I want to change things around a bit.

I prefer over the RWD over AWD, I like to drift around a bit with my 7, so I guess that won't be really possible with the A8. Does anyone know if the A8 is a permanent AWD, or does the AWD just kick in when necessary. I mean, would I be able to oversteer the a8 a bit just to have some fun, I'm not sure how hard it is to get an AWD car to oversteer?

I prefer the outside looks of the 7 series, it's more aggressive, but I believe an a8 might look great with some nice rims, some tint and other basic mods.

BTW, I believe the S8 is sick but it is over my budget

**TonyD** · 09-25-2009 02:53 PM

I always thought the S8's were cheaper than the A8 W12? Anyway, the A8 does have permanent AWD. With that said, seems like you made your mind up on the W12. Do it! They're very rare.

**fazda** · 09-25-2009 02:58 PM

A8 FOR SURE!!! the w12 is a beast, you'll be just like the transporter! Do it!

**Ripped** · 09-25-2009 03:26 PM

Thanks for the feedback!

Tony, I don't know how much they cost in the US, but in Europe, the 6.0 W12 are much cheaper than the S8.

So the A8 drives mostly in RWD and the AWD kicks in when necessary? I don't know much about the Audi Quattro drive.

**wrightc21** · 09-25-2009 03:43 PM

im not 100% on this but i think the a8 always drives in awd. Quattro is a great system.

**ginkof** · 09-25-2009 07:27 PM

the way audi goes the quattro system is on all the time. I say get the Audi... in my eyes it looks a million times better then the BMW. As for the drifting comment i think you're going to have some trouble with that on the new 7 series. The technologically advanced boats that these cars are probably have levels of traction control that you wont be able to fully turn off. Something that your 730 might not have had. I say go for the W12... you will be the envy of a lot of people!

**mfresh2k2** · 09-25-2009 08:51 PM

if you are seriously looking for a W12, I know someone who has an 07 and is about ready for a new one. Ive drivin the W12 before and it has plenty of power to satisfy. Pm me if you really decide on the W12

**A8_Tony** · 09-26-2009 03:27 AM

In the UK you can pick up a 2 year old S8 for around £35k, this is incredibly cheap, and more easily found than a W12.

The S8 is, obviously, the more sought after vehicle, and drives incredibly.

As for the RWD/AWD argument. The A8 has permanent AWD, and it'll be nigh on impossible to drift. However, I've managed to get my D2 A8 sideways when going around a racetrack