2007 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Audi A3 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 2007 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 810 kg more than 2007 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 549 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | CL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
