2008 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 956 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 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A3 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
