2006 Audi A3 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 155 kg more than 2006 Audi A3.
Because 2001 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | E |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
