2006 Audi A3 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2001 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, 2006 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2006 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2006 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2006 Audi A3 2001 Volkswagen Golf
Make Audi Volkswagen
Model A3 Golf
Year Released 2006 2001
Body Type Hatchback Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1966 cc 1593 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 138 HP 104 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 320 Nm 155 Nm
Torque RPM 1750 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 76.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 95.5 mm 86.9 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 18.0:1 12.0:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Top Speed 207 km/hour 194 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 9.2 seconds 11.7 seconds
Drive Type Front Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1380 kg 1240 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 4160 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.7 L/100km 6.3 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 55 L