1996 Audi A3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 11 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 2,146 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 460 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2146 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 65 L |
