1998 Audi A3 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1998 Audi A3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Audi A3 (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 80 kg more than 1998 Audi A3.
Because 1971 Mercury Comet 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi A3 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
