2008 Audi S8 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Audi S8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 (444 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi S8 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | S8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
