1989 Audi 100 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Audi 100 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1989 Audi 100. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 990 kg more than 1989 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Audi 100, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Audi 100. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Audi 100. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1989 Audi 100 has manual transmission. 1989 Audi 100 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:
| 1989 Audi 100 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
