1999 Audi S8 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 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 142 more horse power than 1999 Audi S8. (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Audi S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 430 kg more than 1999 Audi S8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi S8. (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S8 | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
