R&T Audi S8 and Lambo Gallardo Spyder

[Poverty]

Who laced the doughnuts at R&T’s Newport Beach offices with hallucinogens? An Audi S8 and a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder? Okay, so they share the same powerplant, and they come from the same mother company. Big deal. So do the Nissan Titan and Infinti Q45, and many other vehicles on the road today.

But before you write scathing remarks about me to the Editor, hear me out: These cars — as unusual a pairing as it may be — actually cater to the same demographic customer. The potential buyers for both cars are enthusiasts who appreciate V-10 power; they are from 40 to 55 years old, and they have enough money to use $100 bills as rolling paper.

But you’d be on laughing gas if you think Audi incorporates the same marketing tactics as Lamborghini. It’s not about the numbers here, it’s about attitude, and it makes for an intriguing comparison…not on the cars themselves but on the people who buy them. Call it R&T’s first psychological comparison test.

The new S8 is nothing like its predecessor. The most notable thing about it is the powerplant, an all-aluminum V-10. Despite being virtually the same engine as the Gallardo’s, the Audi’s is significantly different. For starters, the S8’s engine is larger — bore has been increased to 84.5 mm. Also, the S8’s V-10 features FSI (direct fuel injection), whereas the Lambo’s does not.

The S8 is all about low-end torque. As soon as you press the gas pedal, the 4268-lb. sedan is in full stride, thanks to its 398 lb.-ft. of torque of which 90 percent is available at a low 2300 rpm. The Lambo, on the other hand, needs to be wound up and let loose north of the 5000-rpm mark. The smoothness of the S8 is apparent when performing acceleration runs. It puts the power down in a linear manner, getting you to speed without much drama or fanfare. Still, the thing is remarkably quick. It runs to 60 mph in 4.7 sec. and to the quarter in 13.1.

But for sheer unadulterated thrills, no sedan on earth can match the Gallardo Spyder. The Lambo’s V-10 loves to rev. To get a proper sampling of its 520 bhp (70 bhp more than the S8’s), you’ll need to keep it constantly in the 5000- to 7800-rpm zone. It’ll scream its approval with a high-pitched rebel yell, letting everyone within a half-mile radius know that you’re prowling the area. Unless you’re careful, the Gallardo will bite you, especially if you’re too harsh with throttle inputs; but get it right and you’ll be rewarded with a blistering 3.8-sec. 60-mph run and a 12.1-sec. dash to the quarter.

As far as cornering goes, you just can’t compare the two…so I won’t. But I will say that the S8’s handling is excellent, considering that it’s 199.3 in. long and weighs 4300 lb. The quattro system (essentially the Torsen-derived unit in the RS4) keeps it glued to the driving surface in all types of conditions — the system provides 40/60 front/aft torque distribution under normal driving, and transfers as much as 85 percent to the rear wheels when there’s front-wheel slippage. The steering is precise, and body roll is kept in check by the air sport suspension system. The brakes are phenomenal, stopping the big sedan in 112 ft from 60 mph (our car had ceramic types that may be an option in U.S. models). As for the Gallardo Spyder…it lives for the curves. (For a more detailed analysis, refer to the Road Test Update, August 2006.)

The S8 is a great highway cruiser and feels as composed at 150 mph as it does at 60. Go 150 mph-plus in the Gallardo Spyder, and you get lots of noise and turbulence inside the cabin. It’s not exactly ideal for a cross-country trip...unless that trip leads to Las Vegas or some other destination where fulfilling guilty pleasures are the rule.

One sure thing about the Gallardo is that you get noticed. If you want to advertise to the world that you’re rich, carefree and looking for short-term companionship, nothing gets the job done quite like a Lamborghini. The Audi S8 instills (and attracts those with) quiet confidence.

Same engine, same company, but two drastically different cars for two drastically different types of personalities. Which one are you? Or are you both?

 

[Tornado]

The problem is though, that like the Gallardo, the Audi S8 was out-classed by it's opponents before it was even sold.

 

[Poverty]

Which car outclasses the S8?

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

S65/55/63/5,000,000 or whatever amg think of next

 

[Poverty]

well the price difference makes up for that, and the audi is the better drivers car, whilst the MB is the better bahn sturmer.

 

[Tornado]

The M5. And the S55 AMG.

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

The M5.

M5 is a class below,it rivals with the s/rs6

 

[Poverty]

The M5 is in a different class altogether. The S8 is meant to be comfortable, sporting, and a bahn sturmer all at once, and no other car does it better for the price.

 

[Tornado]

Doesn't matter. The M5 is more of a drivers car than the S8. And the S55 is a faster car than the S8. Where does that leave the S8? If poeple want driving excitement, they were likely already not going to buy a full-size sedan. If they had to have both, they would likely just go to Mercedes and pick up a S55 or S600.

 

[Poverty]

What if someone wants driver excitement, and comfort, a all rounder car, than a performance biased, or straight line comfort biased car?

 

[Tornado]

Then they buy a 750i. The simple design of the A8 prevents it from being a sport sedan. It is too heavy, the steering is too uncommunitive and the car is too "boring," due to it's front heavy and understeering nature. The only thing this will probably do is steal W12 sales.

 

[Poverty]

Then they buy a 750i. The simple design of the A8 prevents it from being a sport sedan. It is too heavy, the steering is too uncommunitive and the car is too "boring," due to it's front heavy and understeering nature. The only thing this will probably do is steal W12 sales.

The S8 drives nothing like the A8, and is better than the 750i in every way.

The S8 drives like a big RS4.

 

[Tornado]

The RS4 is also considered to suffer from the same faults, other than weight. And you mentioned price before in relation to the S600. Is the S8 $30,000 better than the 750 with the sport package? The 750 is undoubtably a better driver's car, but does the S8 make up enough ground on the 750? Does it make up $30,000 worth? Also, more importantly, does it's 4WD make up enough ground un upcoming and probably similarly priced S63? They will be similar in driving experience.

 

[Poverty]

The 750 is undoubtably a better driver's car

It was the exact opposite infact. Very un-bmw, and thats why its the crappiest of the 3.

Does it make up $30,000 worth? Also, more importantly, does it's 4WD make up enough ground un upcoming and probably similarly priced S63?

Yes and the S63 is going to be alot more expensive.

As for the gallardo spyder jeremy is saying how much he loves it right this moment. He says its really fun, and did you know you could raise the ride height by the push of a button? He says it rather lunatic.

 

[Tornado]

So the BMW has numb steering, understeering tendencies and overall lack of feel when compared to everything else in it's class? Because I could of sworn that it was the Audi A8 in general, and the S8 in particular, that suffered from this.
Keep in mind that I am not blasting Audi. I am merely saying that this car has no point. It isn't as good of a drivers car as the 7-series. And it isn't as luxurious as the S55. So what is the point? A sporty luxury sedan that is neither the sportiest (note how I didn't say fastest), nor the most luxurious? In addition, one that just seems to mess with the rest of the A8 line in relation to the W12 SWB?

 

[Poverty]

Time for me to post some articles maybe, because the S8 doesnt understeering if handled correctly to which I can provide video evidence.

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

Time for me to post some articles maybe, because the S8 doesnt understeering if handled correctly to which I can provide video evidence.

on track video?

 

[Tornado]

...However, it does not engage its driver through the helm or through the way it respond to driver's input. With the whole V10 hanging over its nose, the S8 is not an inherently balanced machine. While the chassis tuning and electronics hide most drawbacks very well, they cannot deliver a sharp handling and a communicative steering like a well-sorted rear-drive machine. The size and weight do not help either. This means the S8 prefers fast bends rather than the twisties...


...Externally, S8 can be easy to confuse with other A8s. The easiest way to distinguish it is from the single-frame grille, which has unique chrome finish at the vertical bars. The air intakes below the grille are also different from other A8s, as is the bigger wheels and a tiny spoiler incorporated at the trailing edge of boot lid. Many people prefer this "understated beauty". But will they also prefer its "understated driver appeal" and "understated performance" ?...

The article.

 

[YSSMAN]

Lets clear up a few things:

The S8 is an impressive performer for a car that large. They took a side-step as compared to BMW and Mercedes by incorporating a big V10 and using some serious performance pieces, but they still cannot hide the fact that it is a monsterous S8.

Cars like this aren't meant to be raced around a track, so why act like they are? They are bahn-burners just like the competition, and although Audi has attempted to change that perception, it didn't work out. The S65 is going to be a helluva lot faster, and there is a good chance the 750i sport will be a more involving drive. What does the S8 have to offer? Something different with being up two-cylinders and offering AWD, added to that a better suspension than the other two.

I know you are an Audi fan Poverty, but even I'm a bit realistic when it comes to GM products. The S8 and S6 are good cars, but the AMGs are still KOH when it comes to large sedans, and the M5 is unquestionably the KOH when it comes to mid-size sport sedans. Yes, the RS4 set the standard on the smaller side, but the big ones just don't cut it.

 

[Poverty]

Like the last generation S8, or the outgoing Mercedes S55 AMG (to be replaced by S63 AMG), the new S8 does not intend to be a full-blooded performance sedan. Instead, it wants to make a compromise between luxury and performance. From this viewpoint, it does quite well. It has the most tasteful design in the class - especially enhanced by the larger wheels and the tail spoiler. It has the highest build quality. It has a Tiptronic automatic transmission and 4-wheel-drive to deliver effortless and trouble-free performance. Its air suspensions and adaptive damping provides a firm but composed ride.

Just for the fact that they compare the S8 to a M5 means they want theyre heads testing. Plus S isnt meant to combat AMG or M, thats what RS is for.

Do autozine even test the cars, or just read a couple reviews and slap something together?

 

[YSSMAN]

You've got to use the

 

[Poverty]

why arent my youtubes working

 

[Tornado]

You know what's funny? In you blind Audi love, you deliberately didn't post the final sentence in the paragraph you posted, which completely nullifies your arguement:

ike the last generation S8, or the outgoing Mercedes S55 AMG (to be replaced by S63 AMG), the new S8 does not intend to be a full-blooded performance sedan. Instead, it wants to make a compromise between luxury and performance. From this viewpoint, it does quite well. It has the most tasteful design in the class - especially enhanced by the larger wheels and the tail spoiler. It has the highest build quality. It has a Tiptronic automatic transmission and 4-wheel-drive to deliver effortless and trouble-free performance. Its air suspensions and adaptive damping provides a firm but composed ride. Moreover, being a class higher than M5, its cabin offer more space and luxury.

Did you even read the article? They weren't comparing the M5 to the S8 because they competed. They did it because Audi claimed that the S8 was the standard for sports sedans to be measured, which is a standard it is far from.
I repeat: I am not blasting Audi. The S8 is a fast car and a sporty car. But it is neither the standard of sports sedans (which the M5 takes), nor the best driver's car in the class (which the 750i Sport takes); and it is also not the most luxurious car in it's price point (which goes to the S550).

 

[YSSMAN]

you have to use the

 

[Poverty]

You know what's funny? In you blind Audi love, you deliberately didn't post the final sentence in the paragraph you posted, which completely nullifies your arguement:

[/B]Did you even read the article? They weren't comparing the M5 to the S8 because they competed. They did it because Audi claimed that the S8 was the standard for sports sedans to be measured, which is a standard it is far from.
I repeat: I am not blasting Audi. The S8 is a fast car and a sporty car. But it is neither the standard of sports sedans (which the M5 takes), nor the best driver's car in the class (which the 750i Sport takes); and it is also not the most luxurious car in it's price point (which goes to the S550).
[/FONT]

lol I cut that bit off on purpose as I didnt copy the bit where they compared it to the M5 so the last sentence wouldnt make any sense to other readers and had no connection to what I copied.

As for the 750i being the best to drive, maybe so before the S8 and new S-class arrived. But not anymore.

Nevertheless, it's always been fantastic to drive, enough so that we've given the car two Automobile All-Star awards since 2002. But times have changed, and Mercedes-Benz has improved upon the winning BMW formula. With the exception of the brakes (we’ll leave the styling of these two up to you), the S550 outclasses the 750Li in every way. COMAND is far more manageable than iDrive, and the Merc is faster and more capable than the BMW. The massive brakes on the 750 are still best-in-class, but the Benz's capable chassis exposes the suspension flaws of the BMW. In sport mode, the big Bimmer rides too harshly over rougher surfaces, while comfort mode makes the car too soft. The Mercedes manages to find a happy medium.

 

[Poverty]

you have to use the

 

[daan]

I've fixed the youtubes for you.

 

[Tornado]

So, where does that Automobile article quote say anything about Audi? Or the S8?
Nothing in that article mentions the S8 at all. Also, I'd want a stick in my sports sedan, thank you. For that reason alone the BMW is better than the S-class as a driver's car, regardless of any suspension quibbles.

 

[Poverty]

I've fixed the youtubes for you.

Thanks

So, where does that Automobile article quote say anything about Audi? Or the S8?
Nothing in that article mentions the S8 at all. Also, I'd want a stick in my sports sedan, thank you. For that reason alone the BMW is better than the S-class as a driver's car, regardless of any suspension quibbles.

I posted the full article in this forum. I just quoted that bit to show that the BMW isnt all that good anymore, and certainly not class leading. The 7er is BMW's crappiest product.

Body: with 9 subcategories. For instance ,space front/back, safety equippment etc. etc:

1. MB
2. Audi
3. BMW

Travelling comfort: with 8 subcategories. For instance ,comfort front/back, Interior noises etc. etc:

1. BMW
2. MB
3. Audi

Engine/transmission: with 8 subcategories. For instance ,Acceleration, Fuel Consumption etc. etc:

1. MB
2. Audi
3. BMW

Driving dynamics: with 10 subcategories. For instance , Slalom, Brakes, Traction, Driving safety etc. etc:

1. Audi
2. MB
3. BMW

Environmental/costs: with 11 subcategories. For instance , Emission values, Pollutant classification, Price, Workshop costs, Insurance, Warranty etc. etc:

1. BMW
2. Audi
3. MB

"The technological sophisticated and fire-new Mercedes cannot become generally accepted against the AUDI and the BMW. Two chapter victories are not enough. Earned winner becomes the AUDI. Driving active, safe to drive and with sufficient comfort equipped as well as simple operation can convince the unobstrusive A8 W12 in the sum of all points."

First place goes to Audi. Second place to BMW and third place to MB.

And thats the A8 beating the 7er, not even the S8.

 

[Tornado]

So it handles better, is safer and has more traction. I know that. The problem is that just because a car drives well does not mean it provides driving excitement; or, more importantly, driving feel. Which is something both the S-class and the 750i have in spades compared to the A8, due to it's weight balance (59:41) and AWD. The S8 fixes none of this, and possily even makes it more noticable due to the increased speed and power.
Edit: Ironically enough, it is the same problem that plagues the Gallardo when compared to, say, the 360 Modena.