2003 Bentley Continental vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2012 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Bentley Continental weights approximately 990 kg more than 2012 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Bentley Continental 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 2003 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2003 Bentley Continental (876 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 596 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Bentley Continental | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Bentley | Audi |
| Model | Continental | A3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 876 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
