2006 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Audi A3 would be higher. At 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 403 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2006 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2006 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2008 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
