2009 Audi A8 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A8 (444 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Audi A8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
