1999 Audi S8 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Audi S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Audi S8 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1999 Audi S8. (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Audi S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 125 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi S8. (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S8 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
