2001 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 11 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 3,936 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi A8 (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. (225 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 396 kg more than 2001 Audi A8.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A8. (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A8 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
