VS
At a Glance
Power
394hp @ 6000
261hp @ 5000
Torque
354lb-ft @ 2000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
24 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/151ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Audi A3 and the Audi A4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A3 delivers 394hp @ 6000 while the Audi A4 produces 261hp @ 5000. On fuel, the A3 returns 24 mpg est. while the A4 uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $56,200 for the A3 and $40,900 for the A4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A32.5 TFSI 2020 - From $56,200
Audi A4S line Premium 45 TFSI quattro 2021 - From $40,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
394hp @ 6000
261hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 2000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/151ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
5
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
34 (2020)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
15.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.3in
187.5in
Width (in)
70.7in
72.7in
Height (in)
55in
56.2in
Wheelbase (in)
103.6in
111in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3593lbs
3726lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A4
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A3
Fuel Economy
A4
Value
A4
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Audi A4
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($40,900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or A4?
The A3 gets 24 mpg est. and the A4 gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A3 or A4?
The A3 produces 394hp @ 6000 and 354lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the A4 delivers 261hp @ 5000 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The A3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and A4?
The A3 starts from $56,200 and the A4 from $40,900. The A4 is cheaper by $15,300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A3 or the A4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider