2004 Audi A3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A3 would be higher. At 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 490 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 62 L |
