2008 Audi S8 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Audi S8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 293 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 169 kg more than 2008 Audi S8.
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 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S8 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | S8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
