1996 Audi A8 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi A8 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 260 kg more than 1996 Audi A8.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A8. (400 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A8 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 88 L |
