2001 Audi A8 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 4 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 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi A8 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A8 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Audi A8 (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 2606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
