Audi A8 1997 vs Mercedes S class 1996
| Gearbox: | Manual | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.5 Diesel | 3.0 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing chain | |
| Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 150 HP | 177 HP | |
| Torque: | 310 NM | 330 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.9 seconds | 11.2 seconds | |
| Audi A8 engine produces 27 HP less power than Mercedes S class, whereas torque is 20 NM less than Mercedes S class. Despite less power, Audi A8 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.3 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.3 | 10.3 | |
|
The Audi A8 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. Audi A8 consumes 3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes S class, which means that by driving the Audi A8 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 450 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 litres | 100 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1230 km in combined cycle | 970 km in combined cycle | |
| 1600 km on highway | 1230 km on highway | ||
| Audi A8 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
| 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: | 350'000 km | 630'000 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: | 2 years | 8 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Audi A6, Audi A4 | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes G klase | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes S class might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 5.03 m | 5.11 m | |
| Width: | 1.88 m | 1.89 m | |
| Height: | 1.44 m | 1.49 m | |
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Audi A8 is smaller. Audi A8 is 8 cm shorter than the Mercedes S class, 1 cm narrower, while the height of Audi A8 is 5 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 525 litres | no data | |
| Turning diameter: | 12.3 meters | 12.1 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Audi A8 is 0.2 metres more than that of the Mercedes S class. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`195 | 2`100 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | average | above average | |
| Mercedes S class has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Audi A8 has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than Mercedes S class, so Mercedes S class quality is probably slightly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 2000 | 4800 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Audi A8 has
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Mercedes S klase has
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