2008 Audi S8 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 S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi S8 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 Audi S8. (444 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 290 kg more than 2008 Audi S8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi S8. (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S8 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1872 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
