1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Audi A4
To start off, 2012 Audi A4 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A4 (211 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A4 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A4 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 A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 Audi A4 has automatic transmission and 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Audi A4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | S | A4 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1500 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 | 1520 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2809 mm |
