2009 Audi A8 vs. 1996 Audi S6
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi S6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi S6 would be higher. At 4,171 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Audi S6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A8 (350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Audi S6. (335 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi S6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi S6 weights approximately 596 kg more than 2009 Audi A8.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (441 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi S6. (420 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi S6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 1996 Audi S6 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A8 | S6 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1164 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 21.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 82 L |
