IndianaSam

Guys

Given the choice between a D2 A8 and a D3 A8, which would you choose, and why?

I am looking at both. Is there an advantage to an 02 or 03 S8 over an 01? It seems if I recall that the later models can be upgraded easier to the newer, cooler nav, but then anything can be done for a price.

I drive 25K miles per year, and am thinking about this choice. I really Like what PaulW has done to upgrade his D2, it certainly is more modern and functional for a travelling man such as he.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Sam

TwinCitiesS8

Having both a D2 A8 and an 02 D2 S8, I can vouch for the fact that the driving characteristics of the cars are like night and day. If you are looking for a daily driver with a luxury feel, the A8 might be the choice, but if you want to sit behind the wheel of a car that acts and feels like a much smaller sport car, the S8 is the choice. The extra power, the stiffer suspension, the sport seats make the S8 a fantastic daily driver if you want to feel sporty every mile of the day. The 02/03 model has the "S" (sport) mode TCU already in place, no upgrade needed and the correct shifter, what a difference the "S" mode make, let me tell you! The other thing I really find I love about the S8, at least in the Minneapolis area, is there are very few of them around compared to A8's and when you drive by any other luxury marquee, heads turn! Gotta love that feeling!
Of course, this is only my humble opinion and you will need to drive both to decide for yourself. Good luck and happy driving!

99A8Q

Personally, I'd rather have an '03 S8 (the ultimate developmental expression of the D2) than an '04 A8 (known to be buggy). A late '05 or newer A8 would make it a tougher choice, but I'd probably still go with the S.

Dansker

Hi Sam, good question, I'll throw in my 0.02...

They are 2 different animals, sharing four interlocked circles, and quattro, thats about it. Both are cool, BUT if you like to tinker a little, and don't mind saving HUMONGEOUS bukaroos, then I'd go with a D2 S8.. you'll get a few extra ponies, and a supernice platform to work with. As you saw in audipages, quite a few upgrades are available, and for half the money you'll save by getting the D2, you'll have plenty to spend on "fun stuff", as well as the occasional visit to your trusted local indie mech...

Ulrik

TOMAS7

In my opinion (and everybody's got one as pkrasusky has agreed with me before) the D2 S8 is the best looking body style Audi. Besides you'll get a car that performs better than the D3 A8.
Make it an 03 with the latest of D2 stuff and tecnology.

IndianaSam

As I look back on all the cars I've owned, the two that I like the most, and remember most vivedly are:

91 200Q, 5 speed, Turbo 20 valve engine, Sport seats, LOVED that car.

97 Saab 9000 Aero 5 speed, turbo 4 with gobs of mid range torque.

Maybe I am more an S guy.

tozoM8

I would go with the D3. They will be under 20K in a few months.

Beartrap

(I'm on my third round of leaks in my '98); better overall reliability; a further refinement of the original classic D2 styling - especially the '04 and '05 (still can't stand the big grille).

Some of the earliest '04's were flaky - Audi even bought a few of them back - but lots of people have '04's and are very happy. Stay away from low VIN's.

skiracer

maintenance, then the D3 would be OK. I doubt that there are many (if any?) independent mechanics with the required access to the computers in Germany to be able to fully work on the D3s. I'm partial to the D2 styling (obviously, I own one), and the D2 S8 will outperform the D3 A8 in just about every aspect.

skiracer1313

As has been mentioned countless times- more bang for the buck than just about anything out there.