2004 Audi A3 vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 54 kg more than 2004 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan 350Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Nissan 350Z (371 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Audi | Nissan |
| Model | A3 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
