2008 Audi A8 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2008 Audi A8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2008 Audi A8. (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A8 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 550.
Because 2008 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ferrari 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ferrari 550. (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ferrari 550. 2008 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari 550 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A8 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | A8 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| 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 | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 114 L |
