Audi S8 (1996 – 1999) vs Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors (1996 – 1998): specs compared

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors is the more powerful of the two, with up to 394 hp against 360 hp. The Audi S8 is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 5.5 s against 6.6 s. The Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors uses less fuel, from 12.6 L/100 km against 13.7 L/100 km. The Audi S8 is the lighter car, from 1,730 kg against 2,045 kg.

Specification Audi S8 Audi S8 1996 – 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors 1996 – 1998
Overview
Origin Germany Germany
Documented years 1996 – 1999 1996 – 1998
Body style — —
Variants 2 3
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Drive AWD RWD
Gearbox Manual Automatic
Performance
Power 340 – 360 hp 279 – 394 hp
Torque 410 – 430 Nm 400 – 570 Nm
0–100 km/h 5.5 s 6.6 – 8.5 s
Top speed 250 km/h 250 km/h
Economy
Fuel economy 13.7 L/100 km 12.6 – 15.6 L/100 km
Dimensions
Length 5,034 mm 5,065 mm
Width 1,880 mm 1,913 mm
Height 1,417 mm 1,445 mm
Wheelbase 2,883 mm 2,944 mm
Curb weight 1,730 kg 2,045 – 2,205 kg

Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.

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