2006 Audi A6 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Audi A6 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2006 Audi A6. (255 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 494 kg more than 2006 Audi A6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi A6, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A6. (330 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A6 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A6 | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3130 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
