1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | 500 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
