2004 Audi A8 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Audi A8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2004 Audi A8. (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 75 kg more than 2004 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A8. (360 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A8 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3697 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 356 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.7 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
