2004 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 35 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Audi | Mazda |
| Model | A3 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
