VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 4800
227hp @ 5000
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Audi A3 and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A3 delivers 201hp @ 4800 while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 227hp @ 5000. On fuel, the A3 returns 29 mpg est. while the Mazda3 uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,100 for the A3 and $36,740 for the Mazda3. 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
Mazda Mazda32.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD 2026 - From $36,740
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 4800
227hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
23 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
32 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
12.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.9in
183.5in
Width (in)
71.5in
70.7in
Height (in)
56.2in
56.9in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5in
107.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3417lbs
3413lbs
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
Mazda Mazda3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mazda Mazda3
Lower starting price ($36,740)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or Mazda3?
The A3 gets 29 mpg est. and the Mazda3 gets 28 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 Mazda3?
The A3 produces 201hp @ 4800 and 221lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 227hp @ 5000 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and Mazda3?
The A3 starts from $40,100 and the Mazda3 from $36,740. The Mazda3 is cheaper by $3,360 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A3 or the Mazda3?
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