2001 Audi A8 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2001 Audi A8 is newer by 22 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2001 Audi A8. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 463 kg more than 2001 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ferrari 400 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ferrari 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A8. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A8. 2001 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | A8 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2770 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3020 mm | 2710 mm |
