1996 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Audi A5
To start off, 2009 Audi A5 is newer by 13 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 2,965 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Audi A5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A5 (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A5 weights approximately 470 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 2009 Audi A5 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, 2009 Audi A5 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, 2009 Audi A5 (500 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3. 2009 Audi A5 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. 2009 Audi A5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 2009 Audi A5 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A3 | A5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
