2007 Audi A8 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 Audi A8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,936 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi A8 (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A8 weights approximately 134 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Audi A8 (651 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A8 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | S |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
