2006 Audi A3 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 155 kg more than 2006 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 @ 1750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
