2009 Audi A4 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Audi A4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2009 Audi A4. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 646 kg more than 2009 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A4, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A4. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A4 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A4 | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 16.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
