1996 Audi A3 vs. 1975 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1975 Mercury Comet. (74 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercury Comet weights approximately 290 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
Because 1975 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 1975 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, 1996 Audi A3 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercury Comet. (197 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1975 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
