2005 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Buick Estate
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 500 kg more than 2005 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 1978 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2005 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2005 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 1978 Buick Estate | |
| Make | Audi | Buick |
| Model | A3 | Estate |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
