2004 Audi A3 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK

To start off, both 2004 Audi A3 and 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 325 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2004 Audi A3 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2004 Audi A3 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Make Audi Mercedes-Benz
Model A3 CLK
Year Released 2004 2004
Body Type Hatchback Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1968 cc 1795 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 139 HP 167 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5750 RPM
Torque 330 Nm 245 Nm
Torque RPM 1750 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 82 mm
Engine Stroke Size 95.5 mm 85 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 18.0:1 10.7:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1340 kg 1665 kg
Vehicle Length 4210 mm 4530 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2470 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 62 L