2009 Audi A8 vs. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2009 Audi A8. (229 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider.
Because 2009 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. 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) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. (363 Nm). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. 2009 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 | 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | A8 | 355 Spider |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 294 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 110 L |
