1998 Audi S8 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1998 Audi S8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Audi S8 (335 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (315 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 93 kg more than 1998 Audi S8.
Because 1998 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ferrari 400. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Audi S8 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, 1998 Audi S8 (557 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (412 Nm). This means 1998 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1998 Audi S8 has manual transmission. 1998 Audi S8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi S8 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | S8 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 315 HP |
| Torque | 557 Nm | 412 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
