1996 Audi A8 vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi A8 would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1996 Audi A8. (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A8 weights approximately 226 kg more than 2005 Porsche 996.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Porsche 996 (560 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A8. (400 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A8. 1996 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2005 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2005 Porsche 996 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A8 | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Audi | Porsche |
| Model | A8 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 76 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 64 L |
