1999 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Audi A3 would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1999 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1999 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 785 kg more than 1999 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi A3. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1999 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 1999 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi A3 | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
