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, 1996 Audi S6 (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2009 Audi A8. (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi S6 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Audi S6.
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 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 230 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 | 3936 cc | 4171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 82 L |
