2009 Audi A3 vs. 1988 Nissan Prairie
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1988 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 322 kg more than 1988 Nissan Prairie. 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 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan Prairie. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan Prairie. 2009 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1988 Nissan Prairie has manual transmission. 1988 Nissan Prairie will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1988 Nissan Prairie | |
| Make | Audi | Nissan |
| Model | A3 | Prairie |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
