1998 Audi A3 vs. 1972 Ford LTD
To start off, 1998 Audi A3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford LTD would be higher. At 3,927 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford LTD (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 Audi A3. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1998 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford LTD weights approximately 555 kg more than 1998 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford LTD 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 1972 Ford LTD. 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, 1972 Ford LTD (376 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Audi A3. 1972 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1998 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 1998 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi A3 | 1972 Ford LTD | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | LTD |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 83 L |
