1981 Audi 80 vs. 2005 Audi A8
To start off, 2005 Audi A8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Audi 80 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A8 (218 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Audi 80. (136 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Audi 80 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2005 Audi A8.
Because 1981 Audi 80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Audi A8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Audi 80 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Audi A8 (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 80. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 80 | 2005 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | 80 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 2976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3080 mm |
