2008 Audi A8 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Audi A8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2008 Audi A8. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A8 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A8, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A8. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2008 Audi A8 has manual transmission. 2008 Audi A8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Audi A8 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | A8 | 500 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2976 cc | 4973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 217 HP | 265 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 404 Nm |
Torque RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 85 mm |
Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1615 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2810 mm |