2004 Audi A8 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A8 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A8 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 Audi A8.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A8, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A8 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
