2001 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 11 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2001 Audi A8. (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 310 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A8. (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | CL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
