1993 BMW 856 vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2012 Audi A8. (372 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1993 BMW 856.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1993 BMW 856. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A8. (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A8. 2012 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1993 BMW 856 has manual transmission. 1993 BMW 856 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 856 | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 856 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5268 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3122 mm |
