2012 Audi A8 vs. 1972 AC 428
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1972 AC 428. (298 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1972 AC 428. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 566 kg more than 1972 AC 428. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 AC 428. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1972 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A8. (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Audi A8 | 1972 AC 428 | |
| Make | Audi | AC |
| Model | A8 | 428 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4200 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 372 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5136 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1948 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1461 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2992 mm | 2450 mm |
