2007 Audi S8 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Audi S8 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2007 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi S8 (444 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi S8 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi S8 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 S8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi S8 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
