1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 (550 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | SL | A8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
