1997 Audi A8
Fuel Economy Overview
The 1997 Audi A8 achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.7L 8-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 5-spd, this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.
In terms of environmental impact, the 1997 A8 produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this A8 has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.
The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,850, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $8,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.
Energy DNA
Green Scorecard
Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy
Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.
Aerodynamic Speed Penalty
EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Recall Intelligence
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS CAN ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
Loading live complaint data...
Looking for comprehensive historical data?
NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Audi A8 configurations.
Similar 1997 Midsize Cars Alternatives
1997 Audi A8
4.2L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
1997 Cadillac Eldorado
4.6L 8-cyl Front-Wheel Drive
1997 Cadillac Seville
4.6L 8-cyl Front-Wheel Drive
1997 Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo
3.4L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive
1997 Ford Taurus SHO
3.4L 8-cyl Front-Wheel Drive
1997 Ford Thunderbird
4.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel Cost Analysis
Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.
Efficiency Breakdown
Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint
(Based on 200,000 miles driven)