2006 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 725 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. 2012 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | A | A8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2034 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
