2003 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (272 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide weights approximately 170 kg more than 2003 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Aston Martin Rapide. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Audi A8 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, 2003 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Aston Martin Rapide. (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Aston Martin Rapide.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2012 Aston Martin Rapide | |
| Make | Audi | Aston Martin |
| Model | A8 | Rapide |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.4 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
