1999 Audi S8 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,170 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S8 (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ferrari 308. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Audi S8 (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 1999 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | S8 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 74 L |
