1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 146 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A8. (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | S | A8 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
