2008 Audi A3 vs. 1998 Bentley Continental
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Bentley Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Bentley Continental would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1110 kg more than 2008 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Bentley Continental 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 1998 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1998 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 720 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 1998 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 2008 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2008 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1998 Bentley Continental | |
| Make | Audi | Bentley |
| Model | A3 | Continental |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 6750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 421 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 875 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.6 mm | 104.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 2450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
