2008 Audi A3 vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1987 Porsche 959.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 2008 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1987 Porsche 959 has manual transmission. 1987 Porsche 959 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Audi | Porsche |
| Model | A3 | 959 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
