1996 Audi A3 vs. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi A3 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 909 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 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (339 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1996 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 1996 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
