Performance Review: Audi A8 6.0 W12 SWB Quattro D3 - [2004]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Audi A8 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Audi A8 6.0 W12 SWB Quattro D3 is the 6 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2004. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 and the 2005 SSC Aero SC 8T 6.3L.This particular Audi A8 has a 5998cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a W formation.

Alternative Petrol W12's includes the 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports 6.0 W12 Bi Turbo

The A8 shares its Petrol W12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports 6.0 W12 Bi Turbo and the 2017 Bentley Continental GT 6.0 W12 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the A8's All Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1960 kgs (4321 lbs) this makes the Audi A8 6.0 W12 SWB Quattro D3 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive or the give or take 50kg.

The Audi A8 shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp)

In terms of power the 5998cc 48V W12 engine produces 450 bhp (335 kW) @ 6200 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated W12 throws out 428 lb-ft (580.2 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (418 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Audi A8 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 4.7 V8 (254.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Audi A8.

The Audi A8 has a Power to weight ratio of 229.5 bhp per ton and 218.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2004 A8 competing with the 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 4.7 V8 (254.4 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 4.8 V8 Automatic (254.4 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Audi A8 generating around 218.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (243.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale 7.5L V8 (243.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.0 secs, this made the Audi A8 6.0 W12 SWB Quattro D3 as fast as the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (4.80 secs) the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (4.80 secs) the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.7 V12 Turbo (4.80 secs) the or the 2017 Maserati GranCabrio Sport 4.7 V8 (4.80 secs). This Audi A8 6.0 W12 SWB Quattro D3 is also faster than the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.90 secs) the and the 2020 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Touring (4.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the A8 and the 1970 Ford Torino 2nd Gen Cobra SportsRoof Boss

When talking about the performance of the Audi A8 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.95 secs @ 105.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1970 Ford Torino 2nd Gen Cobra SportsRoof Boss (12.89 secs), the 1989 Ferrari 348 tb (12.89 secs), and the 1978 BMW M1 3.5 2d Manual (12.91 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2004 version of the Audi A8 6.0 W12 SWB Quattro D3 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2004 A8 equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2004 Audi A8 6.0 W12 SWB Quattro D3 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2004 A8 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Audi

Car Comparison