2006 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
Because 1978 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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, 1978 Porsche 911 (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Audi | Porsche |
| Model | A3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
