2005 Audi A3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 378 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | 560 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 464 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 251 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2850 mm |
