2008 Audi A3 vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 3 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 119 kg more than 2008 Audi A3.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mercury Mariner. 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 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 57 L |
