1999 Audi S8 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 12 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1999 Audi S8. (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1999 Audi S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 136 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi S8. (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S8 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1886 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
