2005 Audi A8 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Audi A8 would be higher. At 5,998 cc, 2005 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A8 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (269 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 925 kg more than 2005 Audi A8.
Because 2005 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Audi A8 (560 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A8 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
