2004 Audi A3 vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 425 kg more than 2004 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mercury Cougar 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
