2009 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 840 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2996 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
