VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 4800
333hp @ 5500
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1600
325lb-ft @ 2900
Fuel
29 mpg est.
23 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 201hp @ 4800 while the Audi A4 produces 333hp @ 5500. On fuel, the A3 returns 29 mpg est. while the A4 uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,100 for the A3 and $50,200 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 quattro 2026 - From $40,100
Audi A4S4 4dr Sdn S Tronic Prestige *Ltd Avail* 2016 - From $50,200
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 4800
333hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1600
325lb-ft @ 2900
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Supercharged
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.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
18mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
16.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.9in
185.7in
Width (in)
71.5in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.2in
55.4in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5in
110.7in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3417lbs
3935lbs
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
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A4
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
A3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($40,100)
Few notable weaknesses
Audi A4
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or A4?
The A3 gets 29 mpg est. and the A4 gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A3 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 333hp @ 5500 and 325lb-ft @ 2900 of torque. The A4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and A4?
The A3 starts from $40,100 and the A4 from $50,200. The A3 is cheaper by $10,100 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