2007 Audi A3 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2007 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A3 weights approximately 71 kg more than 2001 Porsche 996.
Because 2001 Porsche 996 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 Porsche 996. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Audi A3. 2007 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2001 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2001 Porsche 996 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Audi | Porsche |
| Model | A3 | 996 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2360 mm |
