2012 Audi A3 vs. 2009 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Audi R8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Audi R8 would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 2012 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 565 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 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, 2009 Audi R8 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, 2009 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A3. 2012 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2009 Audi R8 has manual transmission. 2009 Audi R8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Audi A3 | 2009 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A3 | R8 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 4163 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1763 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1422 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
