2003 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2003 Audi A3. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 720 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A3. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2003 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2003 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
