2008 Audi A3 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 191 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 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 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Audi A3 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Audi | Ford |
Model | A3 | Contour |
Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |