2009 Audi A3 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
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 Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 635 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Because 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Sable. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Audi A3 (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
