2002 Audi S3 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Audi S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Audi S3 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Audi S3 (222 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Audi S3 weights approximately 127 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Audi S3 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Audi S3 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Audi S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Audi S3 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | S3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1423 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
