1999 Audi S8 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Audi S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Audi S8 would be higher. At 4,170 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1999 Audi S8. (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Audi S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2012 BMW M3.
Because 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW M3. 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi S8. (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi S8. 1999 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 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 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S8 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.5 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.7 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
