2003 Audi A3 vs. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Audi A3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 395 kg more than 2003 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
