2003 Audi A8 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 8 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (216 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 510 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 499 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2974 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
