2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 259 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. 2012 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | A | A3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1687 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
