2011 Audi A4 vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Audi A4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Audi A4 would be higher. Both 2011 Audi A4 and 2012 Audi A3 are equipped with a 2,000 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A4 (211 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2012 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A4 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2012 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A4 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, 2011 Audi A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A3. 2011 Audi A4 has automatic transmission and 2012 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2012 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Audi A4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Audi A4 | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A4 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4704 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1829 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1435 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2809 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
