2006 Audi A3 vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A3 (250 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2003 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 @ 2800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Audi | Toyota |
| Model | A3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
