A8L W12 vs. S8

[A4A4A4]

I'm talking about the new S8 coming as a 2013. Seems like the two of them are going to be pretty similarly priced with the W12 being just a bit north of the S8. Assuming you're the one driving it (as oppose to being driven in it) which would you rather have?

I guess it pretty well boils down to the 6.3 W12, 500hp 463lb-ft tq vs. the 4.0 twin-turbo V8, 520hp 479lb-ft tq. Exhaust note out of the W12 has to be awesome but the fuel efficiency of the 4.0T sort of tugs the battle back to even. Seems crazy to me that Audi would put out two low-production cars that are seemingly similar but that's the way it is. What do you guys think?





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[beemercer]

S8, the 4.0T should be a beast with a little opening up

[silverd2]

Still 2 different cars...similar on paper, but different in behavior/feel...built for 2 different purposes....same as always with A8 to S8...different, not better or worse.

As for the exhaust note of a W12 (very different sound than a V12...just like a boxer motor compared to a "V" or inline), they are just "inadvertently" design to sound tamer and quieter. I've read most owners either praising the quiet running or complaining about them not sounding mean enough, even with custom exhaust. From Porsche 928 on, NOTHING sounds like the burble and growl of a German V8 with a tuned exhaust...V10's ain't bad, but still not the specific, just-right "tone" of a V8 :)

[A4A4A4]

Still 2 different cars...similar on paper, but different in behavior/feel...built for 2 different purposes....same as always with A8 to S8...different, not better or worse.

As for the exhaust note of a W12 (very different sound than a V12...just like a boxer motor compared to a "V" or inline), they are just "inadvertently" design to sound tamer and quieter. I've read most owners either praising the quiet running or complaining about them not sounding mean enough, even with custom exhaust. From Porsche 928 on, NOTHING sounds like the burble and growl of a German V8 with a tuned exhaust...V10's ain't bad, but still not the specific, just-right "tone" of a V8 :)

TBH, I've never driven either the A8 or the S8 so I really don't have experience with either. I know you say the two are fundamentally different but aren't they both just amped up versions of the regular A8? What exactly differentiates their behavior/feel from one another?

Actually the reason I'm throwing this question out here is because my dad (who's not really a car guy) just gave me a call, said he was looking for a new car and wanted to know what I recommend he go test drive. He's in a MB S550 now but wants something with more umph this time around. He loves the full-size luxury cars and needs AWD so what I've come up with thus far is the Panamera Turbo (S), Bentley Flying Spur, and A8L W12/S8. Couldn't decide which of the two Audi's to recommend though.

Interesting to read about the exhaust note though.

[HIstateS8]

I think the S8 has a different suspension set-up, and transmission gearing like the previous models, and of course the interior options is probably way better as well like seats, steering wheel, tach..etc.

[GSS5]

excuse my ignorance but isn't that the pattern of a v12 configuration as opposed to a w12?

as for my choice..s8.

[Elliott]

excuse my ignorance but isn't that the pattern of a v12 configuration as opposed to a w12?

as for my choice..s8.

It's still a W configuration... maybe these pics will help. It's a great motor.





As opposed to the modular V configuration (4.2L, 5.2L, etc)

[Nollywood]

The S8 will undoubtedly appeal to the more enthusiastic driver. I haven't driven any, but I've driven the D3 A8 6,0L and S8 back to back. In the gen 3, the power outputs are the same for both cars, with the 6,0 W12 having the edge over the 5,2 V10 in terms of torque.

The S8 is a great deal firmer, and better planted in the twisties. The 6,0 is softer sprung, and more of a "wafter." As for the exhaust note, the 6,0 was almost silent, most of the note came from the engine. I noticed this as it drove away. The S8 sounded gruffer, almost like it was missing on one cylinder, but it wasn't.

It all boils down to personal choice though - as it's for A4A4A4's old man though, and he's not really a car person I would imagine the D4 6.0 W12 will be better suited to his driving style. The 4,0 FSI Biturbo S8 is likely to be less friendly at the gas pumps too.

[BARRY]

if only they offered a combination of the two...S8 engine, carbon fiber, and body with W12 luxury and long wheel base.

one can only dream

[NikkiTurbo]

If I'm not mistaken they will be offering the 4.0t in the A8L but it will be the one found in the S6/S7 as opposed to the one found in the S8

[BrilliantA5]

You can't get the S8 in the "L" version... Something to take into consideration.