2004 Audi A6 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2004 Audi A6 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2004 Audi A6. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A6 weights approximately 16 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 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 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A6, 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, 2004 Audi A6 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A6 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A6 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A6 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 204 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 | 1540 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2940 mm |
