2002 Audi A3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Audi A3 would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2002 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2002 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 680 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Audi A3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | CL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
