1996 Audi A3 vs. 1987 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (66 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 24 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
Because 1987 Ford Sierra 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 1987 Ford Sierra. 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 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (142 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1987 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
