2009 Audi A3 vs. 2003 Audi A8
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 would be higher. At 3,936 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A8 (276 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (251 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A8 weights approximately 425 kg more than 2009 Audi A3. 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, 2003 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 2003 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A3 | A8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 3936 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
