2008 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi A3 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 598 kg more than 2008 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2008 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2008 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Audi | Nissan |
| Model | A3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 2008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1829 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
