Audi A8 2001 vs Mercedes S class 2002
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.5 Diesel | 3.2 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: | 180 HP | 204 HP | |
| Torque: | 370 NM | 500 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.3 seconds | 8.2 seconds | |
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Mercedes S class is a more dynamic driving. Audi A8 engine produces 24 HP less power than Mercedes S class, whereas torque is 130 NM less than Mercedes S class. Due to the lower power, Audi A8 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.1 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.1 | 7.7 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.1 l/100km | 8.6 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 Audi A8 consumes 0.4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes S class, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Audi A8 could require 60 litres more fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, Audi A8 consumes 0.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes S class. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 litres | 88 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1110 km in combined cycle | 1140 km in combined cycle | |
| 1500 km on highway | 1510 km on highway | ||
| 1110 km with real consumption | 1020 km with real consumption | ||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
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: | 330'000 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: | 6 years | 4 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Audi A6, Audi A4 | Used also on Mercedes E klase | |
| 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: | 5.03 m | 5.04 m | |
| Width: | 1.88 m | 1.86 m | |
| Height: | 1.44 m | 1.44 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. Audi A8 is 1 cm shorter than the Mercedes S class, 2 cm wider the height of the cars does not differ significantly. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 525 litres | no data | |
| Turning diameter: | 12.3 meters | 11.7 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Audi A8 is 0.6 metres more than that of the Mercedes S class, which means Audi A8 can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`260 | 2`100 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | high | below average | |
| 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 | 3400 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Audi A8 has
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Mercedes S klase has
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