VS
At a Glance
Power
288hp @ 5400
354hp @ 5400
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1900
369lb-ft @ 1370
Fuel
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
3.0 L/183ci
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 288hp @ 5400 while the Audi A4 produces 354hp @ 5400. On fuel, the A3 returns 26 mpg est. while the A4 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,500 for the A3 and $51,400 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 A3Premium Plus 2.0 TFSI quattro 2019 - From $44,500
Audi A4S4 3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro AWD 2018 - From $51,400
Performance
Power Output (hp)
288hp @ 5400
354hp @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1900
369lb-ft @ 1370
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
15.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
175.8in
186.8in
Width (in)
70.7in
72.5in
Height (in)
54.8in
55.3in
Wheelbase (in)
103.6in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3494lbs
3858lbs
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
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A4
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
A3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Lower starting price ($44,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Audi A4
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or A4?
The A3 gets 26 mpg est. and the A4 gets 26 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 288hp @ 5400 and 280lb-ft @ 1900 of torque while the A4 delivers 354hp @ 5400 and 369lb-ft @ 1370 of torque. The A4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and A4?
The A3 starts from $44,500 and the A4 from $51,400. The A3 is cheaper by $6,900 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