2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2012 Audi A8. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A8.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 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, 2012 Audi A8 (550 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | S | A8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| 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 Length | 5050 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
