VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 4800
201hp @ 4200
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1600
236lb-ft @ 1450
Fuel
29 mpg est.
31 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
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 201hp @ 4800 while the Audi A4 produces 201hp @ 4200. On fuel, the A3 returns 29 mpg est. while the A4 uses 31 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,000 for the A3 and $39,100 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 quattro 2026 - From $43,000
Audi A4Premium Plus 40 TFSI quattro 2021 - From $39,100
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 4800
201hp @ 4200
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1600
236lb-ft @ 1450
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
31 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
27 (2020)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
35 (2020)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
15.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.9in
187.5in
Width (in)
71.5in
72.7in
Height (in)
56.2in
56.2in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5in
111in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3417lbs
3682lbs
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
✓ 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
Tied
Fuel Economy
A4
Value
A4
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Audi A4
Better fuel economy (31 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($39,100)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or A4?
The A3 gets 29 mpg est. and the A4 gets 31 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 201hp @ 4800 and 221lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the A4 delivers 201hp @ 4200 and 236lb-ft @ 1450 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A3 and A4?
The A3 starts from $43,000 and the A4 from $39,100. The A4 is cheaper by $3,900 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