2008 Audi A3 vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (223 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 187 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 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1732 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
