2009 Audi A3 vs. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Mountaineer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Mountaineer would be higher. At 4,948 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (212 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1060 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 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (390 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2009 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2009 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
