I'm coming off a 2002 s500.I test drove the a8l and really liked it.a couple of question,how does the quattro differ fro the 4matic?also is there a big difference(in ice and snow) from the 18" all season tires to the 19' all season tires? Did any of you switch from a s500 to a A8l and what are your thoughts? thanks

Quatro and 4matic are pretty much similair, maybe they use different settings, ie. Quatro has 50/50 torque split.

As for tires, the size does not matter, if you put same tires on 18 and 19 inch wheels then the grip produced by each will be the same. The 19 just has shorter sidewalls, resulting in less side-wall flex when cornering. Thus, just get good all season tires for whatever wheel you want.

I looked at S500 before getting A8, I thought the cabin was too cluttered, nor did the car come with 4WD as standard. MMI and aluminium with the sporty attitude of the A8 make it the finest car one could buy imho.

Enjoy the car.

Click <a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/71268.phtml">*here*</a> for a recent discussion on the subject. The main benefit of quattro that I see is its purely mechanical nature - simple and instantaneous, with no electronics to get in the way or break down. 4Matic is a part-time AWD system. Search the forums for more info.

I first looked at the 2001 S500, but I didn't like the interior. I didn't like the fact that the newer model now had 3 valves per cylinder rather than 4, and was also down on power. When Mercedes introduced the current S-class, I was very disappointed with every aspect including the new smaller size. The current S-class is just a stretched E-class with airmatic.

When I looked at the "01Audi A8L I was impressed with the whole package. The interior was superior, the car looked much sportier than the S-class, the engine had 5 valve technology and more power, then add Quattro and the aluminum body. I bought that first A8L on the spot and drove it home. I was that impressed.

Now I'm on my second A8L, and I can tell you I did not even consider an S-class Merc. This new A8L is that good. The only other sedan I would even consider now would have to be the Quatroporte. But when the new S8 comes out, the Quatroporte would not be a consideration for me anymore.

See my posts below. Just traded an '01 S430 for an '05 A8L...absolutely no regrets. Test drove the '05 S Class back-to-back - the Audi was superior in every way unless you are purely looking for a plush back seat ride. Quality of materials, handling, acceleration, engineering, ergonomics, fit &amp; finish, warranty (no free routine maintenance on Benzes in '05), Nav system, fuel economy, etc. all in the big Audi's favor. Factor in value for money and it's a no-brainer (MB wants $3070 for Parktronic!!?). My S was in the shop 7 out of the last 12 weeks for ridiculous repeat repairs - which wasn't the main reason for trading it, the lease was up anyway. MB has definitely lost the pole position it once had in product quality. Picked up the car yesterday and could not be more thrilled with our decision.

I'd say you have a pretty sweet back seat ride there, too:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/83339/backseat_med.jpg">

...but that's (IMHO) the ONLY area where it approaches the Audi.

Well, holy Chrysler Batman!!!!!

I live in Alaska and took my new '03 A8L out for a roadtrip the first weekend I had the car. We unexpextedly hit a blizzard on the way back home and it was a pretty scary situation. With the 19in performance tires on, the car should not be driven on snow and ice. Get some winter wheels/tires. I have a set of 17in Dunlop WinterSport M3's now and the car drives great.

I can only compare the car to the 2002 S430 4-matic that my parents drive. That car has studded snow tires, so it has a little bit more grip. I only notice it in the first instant after I hit the gas or brakes. After that, the 2 cars are comparable as far as traction goes. But my A8L has a much sportier feel to it, even with the winter tires on. I really feel the A8L is superior to the Benz in almost every way.


Steve

how about the 19in all season tires?will they be better or worse thanthe 19inc all season?
thanks

Another German PR coup!!!

I've heard some negitive things re; the a/c,is it underpowered?