2008 Audi S8 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Audi S8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S8 (450 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 94 kg more than 2008 Audi S8.
Because 2008 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Audi S8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S8 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S8 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
