Mercedes S class 2002 vs Audi A8 2001
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.2 Diesel | 2.5 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 204 HP | 180 HP | |
| Torque: | 500 NM | 370 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds | |
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Mercedes S class is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes S class engine produces 24 HP more power than Audi A8, whereas torque is 130 NM more than Audi A8. Thanks to more power Mercedes S class reaches 100 km/h speed 1.1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.7 | 8.1 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.6 l/100km | 8.1 l/100km | |
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The Audi A8 is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification Mercedes S class consumes 0.4 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Audi A8, which means that by driving the Mercedes S class over 15,000 km in a year you can save 60 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, Mercedes S class consumes 0.5 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Audi A8. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 litres | 90 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1140 km in combined cycle | 1110 km in combined cycle | |
| 1510 km on highway | 1500 km on highway | ||
| 1020 km with real consumption | 1110 km with real consumption | ||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Audi A8) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (Mercedes S class) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 630'000 km | 330'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Mercedes S class engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 4 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on Mercedes E klase | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Audi A6, Audi A4 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Audi A8 might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 5.04 m | 5.03 m | |
| Width: | 1.86 m | 1.88 m | |
| Height: | 1.44 m | 1.44 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. Mercedes S class is 1 cm longer than the Audi A8, 2 cm narrower the height of the cars does not differ significantly. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | no data | 525 litres | |
| Turning diameter: | 11.7 meters | 12.3 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mercedes S class is 0.6 metres less than that of the Audi A8, which means Mercedes S class can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`100 | 2`260 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | below average | high | |
| Audi A8 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes S class has serious deffects in 70 percent more cases than Audi A8, so Audi A8 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 3400 | 3000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
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Audi A8 has
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