2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 Audi A3. (140 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 98 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 2012 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Audi |
| Model | Cougar | A3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
