2003 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (276 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 56 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.
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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
