2012 Audi A3 vs. 2004 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 125 kg more than 2012 Audi A3.
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, 2012 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Audi A3 | 2004 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1763 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1422 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
