2008 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi A3 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 472 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 2009 Mercury Sable 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. 2009 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
