2005 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Audi A3
To start off, 2011 Audi A3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A3 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2011 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Audi |
| Model | Golf | A3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
