2007 Audi S8 vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 2007 Audi S8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi S8 (444 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2007 Audi S8.
Because 2007 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi S8 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, 2007 Audi S8 (540 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2007 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi S8 | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S8 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 260 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2690 mm |
