Can anyone answer why the D2 S8 takes 6.6 seconds to get to 60?

Compare it with a W210 E55 estate or a Jag XJR, similar cars i was looking at, they all manage around 5.5 seconds quicker. They all weigh around 1800kg, but the S8 is a second slower.

Have i got my stats wrong? or is it the ways its geared so at like 58mph it dives for 3rd taking more time? I know 0-60 is no idea of real performance on the road.


I appreciate all comments. On autotrader at the moment - 4k for a D2 S8. Gearbox done, cats done, all new brakes, very good spec. Im tempted.

The short answer is, the D2 S8 is heavy! roughly 1860kg with no driver as confirmed by service booklets of several owners, and corner scales.
A W210 E55 is 1702kg with no driver (could be more with different options).

The S8 FL user manual says 6.6s to 100kph for the automatic which is roughly 6.4s to 60mph. My first S8 was timed at 6.27s to 60mph at GTI international. Car and Driver claim to have got to 60mph in 5.8s with a brand new S8 for the USA market (maybe not counting rollout?)

Probably all factors play a part, torque, hp, weight and gearing.

Here is a quick comparison, using only weight and HP:

Car________Weight(no driver)_____Hp____Torque___0-60calc___Book_time
S8 D2______1860kg____________355___317_____5.8s______ 6.4s
E55 W219___1702kg____________349___391_____5.4s______5 .5s?
S8 D3______1940kg____________444___400_____4.9s______ 5.1s
C63 AMG____1700kg____________480___443_____3.9s______3 .9s Car&Driver
RS4 B7_____1650kg____________414___317_____4.4s______4 .2s Chris Harris VBox?

Using a simple equation for 0-60 = Weight/(HP*0.9) is remarkably accurate for most cars.

I believe the 4WD auto box on the D2 has greater lossess than the Merc's 2WD auto box, especially as the transmission ages. D3 S8 also is slightly slower in real life than the expected value. RS4 with its dual clutch manages a better time in real life than the calculated value.

Holy crap thats a detailed answer lol. Guess the S8 isnt a race car then ;)

Knew the E55 was lighter, made of rust lol

well said that man+++

Lol! True that is a very big plus for the D2s and D3s, most of the parts are aluminium. I was looking at the E39 M5, but there was a sad story on the M5Board of a guy who took apart his E39 to fix the rust and ended up throwing the body away, it was too rusty to fix.

I loved my E39 M5 is was a hotrod of a car.

Great engine and superb chassis, more of a weapon than the S8 but overall not as good a car.

S8 is better made and a more appealing package.

Bodywork on those does get a little rusty especially round the boot and arches, though a good one will not lose any money value wise these days.

Going to view this one tomorrow

http://www.euronetmotors.co.uk/index...ProductID=1241


Any thoughts? Filler placement is a bit ****!

Looks pretty clean but I'd also be asking about the gearbox at 102k miles - has it been serviced or changed - if not then either try to get the price down to say £3k which gives you a chunk of money towards any future issues or walk away +++

Omg yes i forgot about the gearbox lol

No foglight grilles, that will set you back over £100