1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Ford Mustang (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A3. 2012 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Ford | Audi |
| Model | Mustang | A3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2578 mm |
