1996 Audi A3 vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 86 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 1976 Ford Taunus (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
