2004 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2012 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 405 kg more than 2012 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 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | CL | A3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 99 L | 55 L |
