2008 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi A8 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Audi A8. (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A8.
Because 2008 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
