1996 Audi S6 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi S6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi S6 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 Audi S6. (322 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi S6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi S6 weights approximately 520 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 1996 Audi S6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi S6 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi S6. (400 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi S6. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1996 Audi S6 has manual transmission. 1996 Audi S6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi S6 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S6 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.6 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
