1997 BMW 850 vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (345 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. 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, 2012 Audi A8 (800 Nm) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 850 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 4134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2992 mm |
