2006 Audi S4 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Audi S4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi S4 (340 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 314 kg more than 2006 Audi S4.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (470 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi S4. (410 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi S4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi S4 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S4 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1844 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
