2008 Audi A5 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Audi A5 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Audi A5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A5 (349 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 266 kg more than 2008 Audi A5.
Because 2008 Audi A5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A5 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, 2008 Audi A5 (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 Audi A5 has manual transmission. 2008 Audi A5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A5 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A5 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
