Mercedes S class 2002 vs Audi A8 2004
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.2 Diesel | 3.0 Petrol | |
| Diesel (Mercedes S class) engines typically outperform gasoline engines in terms of fuel efficiency and low-end torque. This makes them more economical and better suited for towing or long-distance travel. However, gasoline (Audi A8) engines mostly are lighter, quieter, and offer better acceleration and responsiveness, especially in smaller vehicles. For more information, see the article "Diesel or Petrol: Fuel Economy and Key Differences." | |||
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain and belt | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 204 HP | 220 HP | |
| Torque: | 500 NM | 300 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds | |
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Mercedes S class is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes S class engine produces 16 HP less power than Audi A8, but torque is 200 NM more than Audi A8. Despite less power, Mercedes S class reaches 100 km/h speed 0.1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.7 | 9.6 | |
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The Mercedes S class is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. Mercedes S class consumes 1.9 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 285 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 litres | 90 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1140 km in combined cycle | 930 km in combined cycle | |
| 1510 km on highway | 1250 km on highway | ||
| Mercedes S class gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
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 | 480'000 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 | 5 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 | 5.18 m | |
| Width: | 1.86 m | 1.89 m | |
| Height: | 1.44 m | 1.46 m | |
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Mercedes S class is smaller. Mercedes S class is 14 cm shorter than the Audi A8, 3 cm narrower, while the height of Mercedes S class is 2 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | no data | 500 litres | |
| Turning diameter: | 11.7 meters | 13 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mercedes S class is 1.3 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`320 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | average | above average | |
| Audi A8 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes S class has serious deffects in 35 percent more cases than Audi A8, so Audi A8 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 3000 | 4600 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
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