2004 Audi A3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,982 cc, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 305 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 CL 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 CL. 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 CL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 681 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 CL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | CL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 5982 cc |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.5 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
