2001 Audi A8 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 5 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2001 Audi A8. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A8 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 2006 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 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 300 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
