Performance Review: Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro - [1991]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Audi V8 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1991. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 and the 1992 Bugatti EB110 SuperSport.This particular Audi V8 has a 4172cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The V8 shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the V8's All Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1712 kgs (3774 lbs) this makes the Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Audi V8 shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4172cc 32V V8 engine produces 280 bhp (208 kW) @ 5800 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 295 lb-ft (399.9 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Audi V8 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d (188.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Audi V8.

The Audi V8 has a Power to weight ratio of 163.5 bhp per ton and 172.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1991 V8 competing with the 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d (188.4 bhp per ton) or the 1990 Mercedes E Class 500 W124 (188.3 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 V8 generating around 172.3 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 2012 Porsche Boxster S PDK (197.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2017 Seat Leon Cupra 300 DSG (197.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.8 secs, this made the Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro as fast as the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (6.60 secs) the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI S-tronic Quattro Sportback (6.60 secs) the 2014 Audi A1 1.8 TFSI S-TRONIC (6.60 secs) the or the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TSI 2.0 Turbo (6.60 secs). This Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro is also faster than the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs) the and the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the V8 and the 2002 Alfa-Romeo 147 GTA

When talking about the performance of the Audi V8 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.37 secs @ 95.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2002 Alfa-Romeo 147 GTA (14.30 secs), the 2006 Bentley Arnage T 6.8 V8 4d Auto (14.30 secs), and the 2015 BMW 3 Series 335d xDrive LCI Touring F31 (14.32 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1991 version of the Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1991 V8 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 1991 Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro 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:

1991 V8 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Audi

Car Comparison