2004 Audi A4 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (187 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 226 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A4. (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A4. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A4 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.6 L/100km | 16.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
