2004 Audi A4 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (220 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2004 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A4. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A4. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A4 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
