When shopping for a compact luxury car, Audi is a logical choice. Efficient, loaded with standard equipment, and equipped with Audi's proven quattro all-wheel drive technology, the A3 and A4 are both outstanding choices. But what sets them apart from each other? The answer takes a little explaining, which is why we've put together a helpful guide to narrowing down which of these sedans is right for you.
Audi A3 VS Audi A4 - Quick Comparison
 |  | |
| 2023 Audi A3 | VS | 2023 Audi A4 |
| $34,900 | MSRP | $39,900 |
| 201 HP / 221LB-FT TQ | Horsepower / Torque | 201 HP / 236LB-FT TQ |
| 6.3 seconds | 0-60 Time | 6.3 seconds |
| 27 / 35 / 30 | Fuel Economy (mpg) (city/highway/combined) | 24 / 33 / 28 |
| Optional | quattro All-Wheel Drive | Standard |
| 41.2 inches / 35.2 inches | Legroom (front / rear) | 41.3 inches / 35.7 inches |
| 10.9 cubic feet | Trunk Volume | 12 cubic feet |
| 36.4 feet | Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet |
| Power panoramic | Sunroof | Power |
| Concealed | Exhaust | Dual, with chrome exits |
| Platinum Gray | Interior Trim Inserts | Brown Walnut |
Size And Interior Space
Some of the price difference that you see between the A3 and A4 comes down to the fact that quattro AWD is standard on the A4, but not the A3. Adding quattro to the A3 closes the gap a little, but the larger A4 is always going to be a bit more than a similarly-equipped A3. Size is really the big distinguishing factor when it comes to these two cars. But your passengers are unlikely to notice a real difference in size, as you can see from the nearly identical legroom. The size difference comes down to a slightly tighter turning circle for the A3, and a bit more trunk space for the A4.
Performance
Both cars come with 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engines, and both put out 201 horsepower. The A4 has slightly more torque, but being bigger, this results in identical 0-60 times. The A3 gets better fuel economy, but the A4's numbers are still excellent, thanks in part to the mild hybrid system both cars are equipped with. Really, the big difference is that there is a more powerful optional engine for the A4 that isn't available for the A3. This bumps horsepower up to 261, and torque to 273lb-ft.
Design
Most of the remaining differences between these two models come down to matters of taste. Both have 17-inch wheels as standard, with 18-inch options available, but the designs are different. The A3 has concealed exhaust outlets, while the A4 has chromed dual exits. Inside, the MMI infotainment touchscreen in both models is 10.1 inches, but the location on the dash is different. Both come with a standard power sunroof, but the A3's is bigger. Lastly, the interior trim inserts are different on these models. This is completely aesthetic, but maybe that's the one deciding factor for you.
