2003 Audi A8 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A8 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4.
Because 2003 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW Z4. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8. 2003 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
