1996 Audi A3 vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 80 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
Because 1973 Mercury Comet 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 1973 Mercury Comet. 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Audi A3 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
Make | Audi | Mercury |
Model | A3 | Comet |
Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3271 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 205 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 93.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |