2008 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Volvo S60
To start off, 2012 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo S60 (325 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S60 weights approximately 419 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 Volvo S60 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 (479 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3. 2012 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2012 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Audi | Volvo |
| Model | A3 | S60 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1759 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
