2008 Audi S8 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2008 Audi S8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S8 (450 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (315 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 642 kg more than 2008 Audi S8.
Because 2008 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ferrari 400. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Audi S8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S8 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | S8 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 412 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 235 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 | 1176 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 120 L |
