2009 Audi A8 vs. 1978 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2009 Audi A8. (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 900 kg more than 2009 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ferrari 400. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Audi A8 (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 400. (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 400. 2009 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 1978 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | A8 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2965 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 120 L |
