2008 Audi A3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren would be higher. At 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 367 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (250 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 313 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Audi A3 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Make Audi Mercedes-Benz
Model A3 SLR McLaren
Year Released 2008 2007
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3196 cc 5438 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 250 HP 617 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 320 Nm 780 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 3250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84.1 mm 97 mm
Engine Stroke Size 95.9 mm 92 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.3:1 8.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type 4WD Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1455 kg 1768 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 4660 mm
Vehicle Width 1970 mm 1910 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1270 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2710 mm
Fuel Consumption 9.4 L/100km 13.8 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 13.1 L/100km 18.1 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.2 L/100km 14.5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 98 L