2003 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 2012 Audi A8. (345 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A8. (800 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | CL | A8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 603 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
