
Which is better Audi A3 or Volkswagen Golf?
The cheapest 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in the A3 is nippy but a little noisy. The 1.5-litre engine on the Golf obviously packs more of a punch and is also a grand cheaper. If you decide on the Audi, it’s worth investing in a pricier engine with quattro all wheel-drive capabilities.
Is the Audi A3 still worth the money?
The Audi A3 is now five years into this current generation and it’s beginning to show its age in terms of tech and styling in the cabin, despite updates adding new equipment. It’s expensive compared to most small cars but is spot-on for a prestige vehicle.
What is the difference between Audi and VW?
Compared with VW, Audi are the more premium brand, but that four-ring badge comes at a price - About £3,000 and £4,000 for comparable models! Of course, since Audi is such a desirable brand there are a fair few that are more than happy to pay the extra.
What is the difference between the Audi A3 sedan and cabriolet?
While all A3’s have the same grille and headlight design the rear treatment of the Sedan and Cabriolet is more refined with their blade-like tail-lights and boot lid lip, than the Sportback, even if it does have a roof-top spoiler.

Is VW Golf better than A3?
For starters, the A3 is slightly longer than the Golf, meaning passengers in the back get better legroom. However, the Golf is wider and taller than the A3, so six-footers won't have to crane their necks sat back there – something which can be an issue in the A3.
Is Audi A3 same as VW Golf?
There's not much difference between the Audi A3 and the VW Golf in terms of practicality. Headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats are comparable. Both models are available with a choice of 3 or 5 doors.
Is Audi A3 a fast car?
Its punchy petrol-electric drivetrain can propel the A3 Sportback to 62mph from rest in 7.6 seconds, with a 138mph top speed in hybrid running. The three performance versions (RS3, S3 and 1.8 TFSI) can all do 0-62mph in less than seven seconds, and every A3 Sportback can hit a top speed of at least 120mph.
Which is faster Audi S3 or Golf R?
The Golf R gets the bragging rights; its 4.7-second time is a tenth quicker than the S3 and M135i can manage, not that you'll notice that in day-to-day driving. Top speed is limited to 155mph on each model.
Is VW better than Audi?
In the end it's all down to personal taste, as they offer similar qualities and performance from their engines. Whilst the VW can be found with more features as standard, the Audi looks and feels higher quality, so is definitely worth the premium that 4-ring badge holds - if you can afford it.
Are VW and Audi engines the same?
Owning multiple brands doesn't just let automakers like Volkswagen have more market share. It also means those brands can share technology, from platforms to powertrains. So, if you're looking at a used Audi, it's very likely it has the same engine as a Volkswagen.
What is the speed of Audi A3?
Technical detailsAudi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI S tronic (81 kW)Top speed in km/h (mph)204 (126.8)Acceleration, 0-100 km/h (0-62.1 mph) in sec10.6Combined fuel consumption in l/100km4.5 - 4.3Combined CO2-emissions in g/km104 - 995 more rows
What is the best year for an Audi A3?
2017 is the best year Audi A3 as it offers many luxury and modern tech features. The A3 powertrain was revised in 2017, making it more powerful than previous models. The 2017 model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and makes many safety features, like emergency braking, standard.
Is Audi A3 a sports car?
Front-wheel-drive 2020 A3 models now carry the Sport moniker, while Quattro all-wheel-drive models are badged as S Line. Both models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; the engine makes 184 horsepower in Sport models and 228 in the S Line.
Do the GTI and A3 have the same engine?
Yes they're the same CCTA/CBFA engines.
Whats faster GTI or S3?
This is mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission which allows the GTI to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds. The price difference between the cars becomes evident when we look at power and torque, as the S3 easily beats the Golf thanks to a 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing 213kW and 400Nm.
Is the Audi S3 engine the same as Golf R?
Housing the same 310bhp 2.0-litre turbo-charged four cylinder engine means there's little to differentiate the Audi S3 and VW Golf R in terms of performance. Both cars reach a potent top speed of 155 mph and are capable of achieving 0-62mph in under 5 seconds.
What does Audi A3 mean?
In steps the Audi A3 Sportback. Rather than accepting that Volkswagen had their roots firmly in the family hatchback segment, Audi developed the rival A3 in order to claim a slice for themselves. Audi translates to “listen” in Latin, as in “listen to me! Look at me! I have an Audi A3!”.
How much mpg does an Audi have?
Audi’s petrol engines return a “real world” average of around 48.5 mpg, which is nothing to be sniffed at! The diesel options even shoot up into the 60s range.
How many doors does an Audi A3 Sportback have?
Both models are available with a choice of 3 or 5 doors. Six footers will be comfortable enough in either car, so this won’t be your deciding factor between the two. In terms of boot space, the Audi A3 Sportback and the VW Golf are almost inseparable. The Audi A3 Sportback holds 380 litres.
What generation is the A3?
The A3 is on its fourth generation and in its most recent revisions, it has adopted the Matrix LED headlamps that its much pricier A8 sister sports. If you’re on the hunt for an athletic family hatchback, there is no competition between the two cars here, really.
Is Audi more expensive than Golf?
Costs. If you decide to buy outright, the Audi is a good three grand more expensive than the Golf, and costs add up even more with different trims and tech packs. Both cars depreciate around 40% over 3 years, so it’s only the purchase price that pushes the monthly lease costs a smidge higher for Audi.
Is the Audi A3 a petrol engine?
The cheapest 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in the A3 is nippy but a little noisy. The 1.5-litre engine on the Golf obviously packs more of a punch and is also a grand cheaper. If you decide on the Audi, it’s worth investing in a pricier engine with quattro all wheel-drive capabilities.
Does the Golf have adaptive suspension?
The Golf comes with a standard rear suspension which makes for a choppy ride at points, but you can upgrade to Dynamic Chassis Control (Volkswagen’s name for adaptive suspension). Every A3 trim comes a better rear suspension as standard - but the Sports suspension is a bit iffy, so steer clear of it if you can.
Which is better, Audi A3 or Golf?
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol in the cheapest Audi A3 is nippy enough but it does grumble noisily when you accelerate. The 1.5-litre engine in the £1,000-cheaper Golf is smooth and faster, and will prove more economical because you don’t have to rev it so much to accelerate.
What is the difference between Audi A3 and VW Golf?
But it has stiff competition from the Audi A3, which shares many mechanical parts with the Golf. But which should you choose?
How much does a five door golf cost?
The entry-level five-door Golf costs £18,885 and also gets a 1.0-litre engine, but with 85hp. To get closer to the same power as the entry-level Audi you can get the Golf with the same 1.0-litre engine, but with a puncher 110hp. This costs £19,975 – still £1,850 less than the Audi.
Is the A3 a good car to drive?
Driving. The A3’s dead easy to drive – it’s easy to see out of, the steering’s not too heavy or light, the brakes are sharp but not grabby and it’s comfy over bumps. But it grips well in corners too – so you can drive it quickly if you like. The Golf feels almost identical to drive – with a caveat.
Is the Golf smarter than the Audi A3?
The Golf looks smart, but there’s no doubt that the Audi A3 Sportback looks posher and sharper, thanks to more stylish headlights and a more imposing front grille. Whereas the Golf looks understated, the A3 has fancy details that go some way to justifying its extra cost – the way the indicators appear to sweep out from the centre of the car as they light up is guaranteed to make you smile.
How many litres is a 3 door A3?
However, the 3-door A3 has a smaller boot at 325 litres, whilst the saloon version has a bigger, but shallower, boot at 425 litres.
Does the A3 have a touchscreen?
For gadgets, the A3 is uncluttered with a pop-up infotainment screen, which is pretty cool since it is controlled with a scroll wheel in the centre console. The Golf, meanwhile, has a touchscreen infotainment system and has just enough buttons to help you find your way around it.
Is the RS3 a plug in hybrid?
And, if 310bhp isn’t enough, the lookout for the RS3, which has a turbocharged 2.5 litre petrol engine producing a whopping 400bhp! Unfortunately, this engine is currently not available in the Golf. There’s a plug-in hybrid version available for both cars; the A3 e-tron and Golf GTE.
Is the Golf a diesel?
And if you’re looking for performance without paying the price at the pumps, then the Golf is available as the diesel-powered GTD and also a plug-in hybrid, the GTE.
Is the Audi a 3 door or 5 door?
3 and 5 door options are available for the two cars, but, since people see the Golf as a fantastic family hatchback, you won’t find as many 3-door versions when you compare to the A3.
Is the Audi A3 a VW Golf?
You probably won’t be surprised that the Audi A 3 and VW Golf have a lot in common, since Audi is part of the VW Group. But with that being said, these top-end hatchbacks do have some notable differences that may make or break your decision between the two.
Expert Reviews Reviews from CarGurus experts
Despite sharing underpinnings with the Volkswagen Golf, the Audi A3 is its own beast. The small sports sedan features athletic powertrains, engaging handling, and an upscale cabin that...
User Reviews Reviews from CarGurus users who have driven or owned the car
Yes, not roomy as eleantra as Hyundai Elantra GT. Does not have a sport mode as the Elantra GT. And the entera...
How many seats does Audi A3 have?
Audi A3 7/10. The Sportback and Sedan have five seats, while the Cabriolet has four. Leg and headroom in the back row for all body styles is limited. The Sportback will give you the most rear legroom, while the sedan has a few millimetres more space for your knees than the Cabriolet.
What generation is the Volkswagen Golf 8/10?
Volkswagen Golf 8/10. The Golf has always had a smart cabin and excellent ergonomics, and this continues in the eighth generation. Like the interior's overall look, the seating position for the driver is both familiar and improved.
How many airbags does the 2013 A3 have?
The A3 has a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from its 2013 crash test, which applies to the Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet. While the Sedan and Sportback have seven airbags, the Cabriolet has just five, missing out on the head-level curtain bags.
How many cylinders does a GTI have?
The standard Golf range, from the base car to the R-Line, carries over a familiar '110 TSI' 110kW/250Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the GTI maintains its well-regarded (EA888) 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo which produces 180kW/370Nm paired to a seven-speed dual clutch auto.
What is the A3 8/10?
The A3 comes in three body styles: a five-door hatch, which Audi calls the Sportback; the four-door Sedan, and a two-door convertible which it refers to as the Cabriolet. It may not surprise you to learn they're all different sizes, too.
What is the engine in the Golf?
Over in Europe the Golf is fitted with a new 1.5-litre 'evo' engine which is essentially the next step for the 110TSI engine which features across the Australian range, although the European-market version opens the door to further electrification and efficiency.
Is a Volkswagen Golf longer than a hatchback?
But first, the looks. The Sportback has a wagon-like appearance with its large (for a hatch) rear quarter windows. If you think it looks longer than a regular hatchback, you’re right: a Volkswagen Golf is 50mm shorter even though it shares the same platform as the A3.
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Expert Reviews Reviews from CarGurus experts
Despite sharing underpinnings with the Volkswagen Golf, the Audi A3 is its own beast. The small sports sedan features athletic powertrains, engaging handling, and an upscale cabin that...

Price
Styling
- The Golf looks smart, but there’s no doubt that the Audi A3 Sportbacklooks posher and sharper, thanks to more stylish headlights and a more imposing front grille. Whereas the Golf looks understated, the A3 has fancy details that go some way to justifying its extra cost – the way the indicators appear to sweep out from the centre of the car as they light up is guaranteed to make …
Interior
- Interior quality in both cars is remarkably good, and both have soft-touch plastics across the dashboard that feel posher than anything you’d find in a Vauxhall Astra. That said, the Golf’s interior design is more functional than eye-catching, and yes, the A3’s cabinfeels more special. It’s more minimalist than the Golf’s, but the infotainment screen that rises up out of the dashboard d…
Practicality
- Both cars have similarly generous rear headroom and legroom, so a pair of adults will fit in the back and won’t be left wanting for space. The view out of both cars is decent as well, so either is a good choice if you have kids who are prone to car sickness. The Golf and A3 are alike in terms of boot space too – the five-door VW and A3 Sportback have the same 380-litre boot capacity. Thi…
Driving
- The A3’s dead easy to drive– it’s easy to see out of, the steering’s not too heavy or light, the brakes are sharp but not grabby and it’s comfy over bumps. But it grips well in corners too – so you can drive it quickly if you like. The Golf feels almost identical to drive– with a caveat. Lower-powered models such as the 1.6-litre diesel and 85hp 1.0-litre petrol get basic rear suspension that doesn…
Engines
- The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol in the cheapest Audi A3 is nippy enough but it does grumble noisily when you accelerate. The 1.5-litre engine in the £1,000-cheaper Golf is smooth and faster, and will prove more economical because you don’t have to rev it so much to accelerate. If you’re after an A3 then it’s worth paying extra for this engine just because it feels more premium than t…
Verdict
- As you’d expect, both these cars feel very similar – and which is best largely comes down to how much you’re willing to pay for the Audi’s posher look and feel. The Golf gives you more for your money and will have lower monthly finance repayments than an equivalent A3 – and that’s why it wins this test.