2006 Audi A8 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Audi A8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A8 (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A8 weights approximately 920 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A8 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | A |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 54 L |
