2003 Audi A8 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (216 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 570 kg more than 2003 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Audi A8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | R |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2974 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
