1981 Audi 80 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Audi 80 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Audi 80. (136 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 814 kg more than 1981 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Audi 80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Audi 80 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 80. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 80. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1981 Audi 80 has manual transmission. 1981 Audi 80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 80 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 80 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3150 mm |
