2005 Porsche 996 vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 4,134 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (345 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Porsche 996. (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Porsche 996.
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 Audi A8 (800 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Porsche 996. (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Porsche 996. 2012 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2005 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2005 Porsche 996 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Porsche 996 | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Porsche | Audi |
| Model | 996 | A8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3594 cc | 4134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 90 L |
