2005 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,786 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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 Ford Mustang (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (149 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |
