Hello everyone,

I am new to these forums and was hoping I could get some positive input from everyone on my question.

I have narrowed my car selection down to either a 2003 s8 or 2004 a8L.

I realize the body style and interrior are dramatically different in the 2004 model. I like things about both body and interrior styles, which is making my decesion difficult.

Can you guys give me some input on your experiences on what the pros and cons to each are? Obviously the 2004 A8 has the navigation screen and larger interrior room. I am wondering if the 2008 s8 is a quicker car then the a8L? Poor on the information

I am posting this same thing in the a8 forums to get feedback.

Thanks

 

Hello!

the earlier S8 your looking at is the first generation, the second generation cars are bigger than the first generation. Also the L in A8L means long wheelbase, so it is even longer than the standard A8 by about 5 inches.

The S8 is smaller, perhaps lighter (im not sure, id think its lighter than an A8L) and its an S model so im going to venture to say that it is quicker than the A8L.

What motor is in the A8L? the 6.0 W12?

Personally id get the S8.

 

SSSSS please!!!!!!!

 

why are you both saying to get the s8? There must be some pretty good reasons to not upgrade to the newer body style and all the new looks inside.

I realize the 2003 s8 is a previous generation, but will it still outperform the 04 a8L on the road? I am worried that the a8L will be kind of sluggish...but compared to a 7series BMW or S class Mercedes of the same year, maybe not.

I am just trying to figure out what I getting for my money. Obviously buying the 04 a8L means more money, but is gaining the new body style and new interrior design (navigation screen, mmi, etc.) worth the trade off with performance (if there is a huge difference?).

Thanks for info everyone, its definately helping.

 

they are both baller kind of cars........ an s is the top of the line for audi, say an m for bmw or amg for m-b

the a8l is considered the old mans car....... luxury/styling, but still with a good motor for performance

i think the a8l and s8 use the same motor, but the a8l will be detuned and slower, cause of weight


a8l review
http://cars.about.com/od/luxurysedan...udi8L_test.htm

s8
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Overview-c334-2003-S8.html



if i had to choose it would come down to miles on the 04 and how clean the s8 is

and price


i think i would probably go for the a8l, put nice wheels, suspension, and exhaust on it

 

S = Smile

 

Thanks for the reviews and information. When it comes down to it, if was able to find a 2003 s8 in great shape and an a8L with decent mileage for a good price it would be tough.

I like everything about both cars, but I am leaning towards the 04 a8L mainly because of the interrior upgrades as long as the engine performance isnt extremely toned down from the previous generation s8.

This is the one thing that is holding me back on the A8L. I realize its an "old mans car" and its not going to move like the s8, but from anyones experince does the car still get up quick compared to most of its size? I read that the a8L can do 0-60mph in 6.x seconds....that doesnt sound too bad to me, considering the size and weight of the car.

any input on the actually engine performance of the 04 A8L would be great.

I am currently driving a toyota 4runner, so I am sure either of these cars is goign to feel like a rocket under my foot!

Thanks everyone

 

My dad has a 2003 S8 and it a very nice car and very quick. The interior is also very nice, i know that the change to the 2004 new body style comes with an upgraded interior but the previous interior is still very nice. In terms of performance the S8 is quick. I have never driven the 04 A8L but im sure its not slow by any means. Here are some specs on the cars.

2003 S8
4.2L V8 360 hp @ 7,000 rpms
317 lb ft @ 3,400 rpms
0-60 is 5.3 sec
5 speed auto manual gearbox
Gas Mileage is 15-21
Curb weight is 4,068 lbs

2004 A8L
4.2L V8 330 hp @ 6,500 rpm
317 lb ft @ 3,400 rpm
0-60 is 5.9
6 speed auto manual gearbox
Gas Mileage is 17-24
Curb weight is 4,339 lbs

If you want a performance luxury sedan i would go with the S8 it puts a smile on your face every day and my opinion is that the interior of the 2004 is not so good to choose the A8L over the S8 just for that reason.
Just my 2 cents. But i would go with the S!!!!!

 

I can't see the performance of the S8 being sooo much better than the A8L that it would really make a difference in a car that size. So with that being said I would be buying the newer car. I have always loved the A8L. The rear leg room in that car is a treet.

If you take people either personally or professionally in your vehicle with you places then the A8L is practically a European limo but still looks like a super car. It's well in line with an S class Merc in terms of size and luxury.