1999 Audi S8 vs. 1985 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,822 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Audi S8. (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1999 Audi S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1999 Audi S8. 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 1985 Ferrari 400. 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, 1985 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi S8. (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi S8. 1999 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1985 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1985 Ferrari 400 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 | 1985 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | S8 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 4822 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 120 L |
