1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2011 Audi A3
To start off, 2011 Audi A3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2011 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2011 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2011 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Audi A3. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2011 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2011 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2011 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | 500 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2578 mm |
