2002 Audi A3 vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 Audi A3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2002 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2002 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 627 kg more than 2002 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (360 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Audi A3 | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
