2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Audi A3
To start off, 2013 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Audi A3 (197 HP) has 27 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Audi A3 weights approximately 114 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Audi A3 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, 2013 Audi A3 (281 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Audi |
| Model | Golf | A3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1346 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4199 mm | 4292 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
