2009 Audi A8 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 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 5,998 cc, 2009 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A8 (444 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (343 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 319 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 (580 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A8 | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Type | W | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
