1996 Audi A3 vs. 1993 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercury Cougar (202 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 544 kg more than 1996 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 Mercury Cougar 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 1993 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1993 Mercury Cougar (359 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1993 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1993 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2880 mm |
