1961 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 2012 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | SE | A8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5268 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3122 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 90 L |
