2009 Audi A3 vs. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 2727 kg more than 2009 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII (386 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | Audi | Lincoln |
| Model | A3 | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5265 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
