2003 Audi A3 vs. 2011 Audi A4
To start off, 2011 Audi A4 is newer by 8 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A4 (211 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2003 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A4 weights approximately 345 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.
Because 2011 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A4 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, 2011 Audi A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A3. 2011 Audi A4 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. 2011 Audi A4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 2011 Audi A4 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A3 | A4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2809 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
