1996 Audi A3 vs. 1972 Porsche 911
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Porsche 911 (210 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911.
Because 1972 Porsche 911 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Porsche 911 (255 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1972 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1972 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Audi | Porsche |
| Model | A3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
