1997 Audi A8 vs. 1984 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1997 Audi A8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Rover Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Rover Vitesse would be higher. At 3,531 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Rover Vitesse (187 HP @ 5280 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Audi A8. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1997 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Audi A8 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1984 Rover Vitesse.
Because 1984 Rover Vitesse is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Rover Vitesse. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Audi A8, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Audi A8 (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Rover Vitesse. (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Rover Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Audi A8 | 1984 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | Audi | Rover |
| Model | A8 | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3531 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5280 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2820 mm |
