2006 Audi A3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 weights approximately 644 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 (460 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (200 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | E500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
