1978 Audi 100 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Audi 100 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Audi 100. (70 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Audi 100 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Audi 100. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Audi 100 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2430 mm |
