2002 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 7 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2002 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 379 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Audi A3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
