2008 Audi S6 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Audi S6 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S6 (435 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 890 kg more than 2008 Audi S6.
Because 2008 Audi S6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi S6 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi S6. (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi S6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S6 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S6 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.5 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
