2003 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Forester. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2003 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Forester. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Forester. 2012 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2003 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2003 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Forester | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Subaru | Audi |
| Model | Forester | A3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2456 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
