2005 Audi A4 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Audi A4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Audi A4 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2005 Audi A4. (220 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 170 kg more than 2005 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A4 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A4. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A4 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A4 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
