2004 Audi RS6 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2004 Audi RS6 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, 2004 Audi RS6 (445 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. (265 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi RS6 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi RS6 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi RS6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi RS6 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, 2004 Audi RS6 (560 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi RS6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi RS6 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi RS6 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 RS6 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RS6 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 445 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2810 mm |
