1996 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Fiat Mirafiori
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Mirafiori would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Mirafiori is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat Mirafiori 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 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1978 Fiat Mirafiori | |
| Make | Audi | Fiat |
| Model | A3 | Mirafiori |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 49 L |
