2005 Audi A3 vs. 1996 Bentley Continental
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1185 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 1996 Bentley Continental 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 1996 Bentley Continental. 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, 1996 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 726 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (149 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3. 1996 Bentley Continental 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. 1996 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 1996 Bentley Continental | |
| Make | Audi | Bentley |
| Model | A3 | Continental |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 6750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 421 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 875 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 104.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 2450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
