2003 Audi A3 vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2003 Audi A3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,188 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A3 (246 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (157 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A3 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2001 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 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, 2003 Audi A3 (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Audi | Toyota |
| Model | A3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3188 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 246 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
