Audi S8 (1996 – 1999) vs Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors (1994 – 1998): specs compared
The Mercedes-Benz S-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 S-Klasse and predecessors uses less fuel, from 9.7 L/100 km against 13.7 L/100 km. The Audi S8 is the lighter car, from 1,730 kg against 1,850 kg. At 5,212 mm, the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors is 178 mm longer than the Audi S8. The Audi S8 dates from 1996 – 1999, the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors from 1994 – 1998.
| Specification |
Audi
S8
1996 – 1999
|
Mercedes-Benz
S-Klasse and predecessors
1994 – 1998
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Documented years | 1996 – 1999 | 1994 – 1998 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 2 | 11 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel, Petrol |
| Drive | AWD | RWD |
| Gearbox | Manual | Automatic · Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 340 – 360 hp | 150 – 394 hp |
| Torque | 410 – 430 Nm | 270 – 570 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.5 s | 6.6 – 12.9 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 185 – 250 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 13.7 L/100 km | 9.7 – 16.9 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,034 mm | 5,113 – 5,212 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,887 mm |
| Height | 1,417 mm | 1,491 – 1,496 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,883 mm | 3,040 – 3,139 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,730 kg | 1,850 – 2,155 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.