A8utoCross

Last week I drove my 97 A8Q (130,000 miles) to look at a 2001 S8 with 70,000 miles. I drove the S8 on highway and local for about 30 mins. This car is in excellent shape and was a great experience but it was a bit of a let down as I expected more difference in power and the ride was not as smooth (yes I know why). It also felt like all the gears were too low and was a bit annoying compared to what I am used to with the A8. I have a feeling this is easily gotten over but what have you guys that moved from A8 to S8 experienced. I drive hard 80% of the time so maybe S8 is the way to go.

Are the tranny issues the same for 01 S8 as 97 A8?

Does anyone regret moving from A8 to S8?

Jim

skiracer

You are correct- getting used to the lower gearing in the S8 takes a while, but once acclimated it is great. The off-the-line performance and passing ability of the S8 is MUCH better than the A8, but highway cruising in the S8 isn't as "calm" an experience as in the A8. If you drive hard as much as you say you do, then the S8 is for you!

PaulW

Around town with 1/8 - 1/4 pedal the thing is a monster!!!!

It's hard to barely use the pedal so it shifts early, but I'm getting the hang of it.

pkrasusky

...eggzactly.

Took me a solid month+ to drive around in tip to see how the thing 'worked' (what does and what does not), driving around in auto and seeing what the car 'wanted' to do, then going back to tip and doing it more 'effectively'.

I'm solely tip now, and 11 months later verymuch have 'things' down where it's both smooth and effective. Effective is the key, and keeping it within what the car will / won't do.

Hard to 'splain. Not one them cars where you just jump and and you're an expert. Takes finese, and lotta 'getting the hang of it'

Once yous gots it down - oh - ohso rewarding, yes. Driving flagships fast (and smooth) is giddyfun. It's one of the best "driving cars" I've had the privelage (I consider daily //S8 whompings such!) of driving - and me autoresume is long(er) and deep(er) (than you care to know) heh heh.

Muwhahahaaa...

svxit

This is an overview I did a couple weeks ago on switching from a 98 to an '02 S8. Hope it is helpful.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/142983.phtml">Click Here</a></li></ul>

jikons

After 30k miles and major timing belt, water pump, oil change and tranny oil change, and still not regret it. After the transmission oil and filter change, the car seem to shift better. In the A8, the transmission issue and the breather hoses disintegrated and the ignition control module. But you still get a tank for the price of a Toyota Camry. So rock on.

S8gg

I had a 99 A8 for three years and going on my second S8 (over three years). No question the A8 is more of a luxury sedan, but the S8 is the ultimate hybrid of luxury sedan and sports car. Yes, my wife prefered the smoother ride of the A8, but enjoys the S8 as well. Keep in mind we live in NYC so the pavement is less than ideal for a "sports car". Being in my 30's I would often get the grandpa car jokes in the A8, but in the S8 I'm getting "wow" that car is sick from kids to old folk...If you don't have a sports car and enjoy performance, but need to be practical, go S8, there is no subsitute.

A8utoCross

Is the tranny better because it is an A8 or because it is 2001?
Does a 2001 A8 have the same tranny as 2001 S8?