2007 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Audi A3 would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi A3 (247 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 235 kg more than 2007 Audi A3.
Because 2007 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2007 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2007 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Audi | Toyota |
| Model | A3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
