2006 Audi A3 vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,188 cc, 2006 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A3 (247 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Comet 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 1973 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3188 cc | 2782 cc |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2800 mm |
