2003 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A3 would be higher. At 3,545 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2003 Audi A3. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A3. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2003 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2003 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Audi | Toyota |
| Model | A3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
