1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2011 Audi A8
To start off, 2011 Audi A8 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A8 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Because 2011 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Audi A8 (550 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2011 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | 450 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
