2003 Audi A8 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Audi A8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (272 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A8 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 2003 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.4 L/100km | 17.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
