2001 Audi A8 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Audi A8 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2001 Audi A8. (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 50 kg more than 2001 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A8. (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
