2001 Audi A8 vs. 2011 Audi A7
To start off, 2011 Audi A7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Audi A8 would be higher. At 3,695 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A7 (310 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2001 Audi A8. (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A7 weights approximately 80 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 2011 Audi A7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Audi A8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A7 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, 2011 Audi A7 (440 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A8. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2011 Audi A7 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A8 | A7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3695 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2913 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
