Greg5OH

I love the s8. White, B&O, CF trim-just pure bliss right there.
Other than the obvious v10 and most having the b&o system, what are some other major things that may sway me away from an S8 to an A8?

for A8 i would be looking for 07-09 because of timing chain vs older belt style.
S8 has that nice little front and rear lip
S8 has 60:40 center diff vs 50:50 a8.

The car would be primarily used for long road trips (3-5k mile trips 1-2 times a year, and frequent 400 mile trips every month). The car would be used year round in Michigan.

The s8 sounds amazing. I also really like the exclusivity factor of it as well.

20-22 mpg i read is realistic in the s8 cruising 75 mph.
4.2 A8 a little more?

Biggest factor is: the A8s are about 10k cheaper to purchase..

Any and all information is appreciated!

dvs_dave

A8 also available in LWB if that's a consideration. Also will be smoother riding than an S8 which again is a consideration for long trips.

Timing belt vs timing chain on these cars, neither is without its compromises, but for ultimate longevity and predictability the timing belt engine is probably a safer bet assuming it's maintained properly.

V8's are also cheaper to run and repair than the V10. But it sounds like you've already made your mind up with the S8 so much of what I'm saying is moot anyway.

mishar

For long trips A8L is better choice. Better millage, smoother ride, irrelevant performance difference. By the way, performance difference is not huge anyways. B&O is nice, but you must have really special ears in order to hear difference. Besides that it is more likely to find less abused A8. So if the spoiler lip worth $10K so be it.

I am 65 and might sound just like that.

Greg5OH

I am trying very hard not to be bullheaded about this S8 thing. It is sexy and exotic, but have to think logically.

so what exactly is it about the front end of the S8 that makes it look more aggressive than the A8? Is it just the chin spoiler? The 08-09 S8s should have the same grille as the S8 too right? Or am I mistaken about the grille?

So B&O isn't a deal breaker, but definitly do prefer the CF trim inside.

I know 19s ride smoother, but the 20" wheels just look so perfect on this chassis. Again, can pick up a set of used wheels for not much money, (especially with the money saved from buying an A8 over S8)

09 A8...looks very much like an A4..


but the S8 just looks much more aggressive. I see the grille is different, and is the entire lower bumper different?

mishar

And why would you want to look aggressive?

Greg5OH

my wife and I are young and we like aggressive looking cars! Our fleet of vehicles is anything but ordinary, probably considered silly by some.

To give an example of the styling we like: RS7 and the new c7 z06..very aggressive looking.

ScottCNelson

...you'd be looking at a Lexus LS460 L AWD. Particularly if you have experienced the wonderful S8 PS pump failure.

Used Lexus LS 460 For Sale Atlanta, GA - CarGurus

Greg5OH

I have not read anything about the S8 power steering pump failure.
I do really like LS460s..We have a 00 LS400 Platinum. Very reliable car.
beige interior though...*shudder*
hard to find these black on black, or white on black.

s8 PS pump is approx 250-300$, same as for an LS400. So that's not bad.

the_duke

That Lexus is hideous and the interior quality looks terrible! But to each their own.

Another option in the S8 price range is an early D4 A8. Only a 4.2 but it seems that looks and interior trump performance to you. In my opinion the D4 looks more aggressive than the D3 S8 and the interior is amazing.

Greg5OH

those are nice, however about 10k more on average than the S8..but I did find a nice one for about 30. Brown interior, white ext, in GA...wife loved it...
Hmm this is something to strongly consider..Time to read up in teh D4 forum.

edit: more digging...seems 25k is average price for 2011 models...This has me excited.