Both the Audi A3 and A4 are compelling models that often catch the attention of the same driver group because of their similar qualities. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to pick the right car out of the two. 

Their design is quite similar, and so are the features and to an extent overlapping drivetrains. So, Audi A3 vs A4 — should you go for the subcompact or compact luxury car? Here’s our take on the latest generation of A4/A3 Audi. 

Design and Practicality

Aesthetics are a very subjective matter, and there is no definite answer on which of the two models looks better. That said, the smaller subcompact A3 is more aggressive, with sharper headlights and a larger grille. The A4 is more luxurious and subtle, and its design is much more resembling the most upscale Audi sedan — the A8.

The same continues in the interior as well. The Audi A3 looks arguably more modern, with sharper edges. Whether it is the door handles or climate air vents, the A3 is simply sharp and aggressive. On the other hand, the A4 uses a more traditional design language, which was introduced by Audi in the latest generation Audi Q7. The design lines of the A4 are well-thought-out and subtle. 

With optional wooden trims, the A4 appears more upscale, while the soft-touch and leather materials only confirm that. The overall layout is also different. The A3 has an infotainment system screen built into the dashboard, while the A4 uses a thin “floating” screen on top of the dashboard.

For many, however, practicality will be the more important aspect. There is not much to discuss in this category. The Audi A4 is simply a larger car in all aspects. Whether boot space, rear seat legroom, or the spaciousness of the front seats — the larger sedan just delivers more. It also has more storage space throughout the interior.

When looking at practicality from the driving perspective, tables turn, and the A3 is suddenly the better choice. For maneuvering around the city, the subcompact A3 makes more sense. Parking the A3 is no issue and the turning radius is also significantly smaller than on the A4.

Overall, the A3 might be better looking at the first glance, thanks to its aggressive design and sharp lines. However, the A4 starts to shine when you begin noticing the details and material quality.

At the end of the day, if you are looking for a practical car on the interior, the A4 will deliver more, but if city maneuvering is your concern, the Audi A3 will do better.

Drivetrains and Performance

The Audi A3 comes with only one engine option for US customers. It is a turbocharged 2.0L TFSI inline 4-cylinder that generates 201 hp and 221 lb.-ft of torque. As standard, power is sent to the front wheels, but an all-wheel drive Audi Quattro is available as an option. Regarding transmissions, the only option is a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic. With it, the A3 accelerates to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and is quite fuel efficient. The EPA estimates are 28 MPG city, 38 MPG highway, and 32 MPG combined.

The larger A4 is equipped with an almost identical engine, so also a 2.0L 4-cylinder, branded as 40 TFSI. However, in this variant, it generates a bit more torque at 236 lb.-ft. As standard, the A4 comes with a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic derived from the A3. All models are also equipped with a Quattro all-wheel drive system. The extra torque helps the A4 be slightly faster in the straights, and 0-60 mph is rated at 6.3 seconds. With an identical drag coefficient of 0.3, the A4 achieves worse fuel economy. 24 in the city, 33 highways, and 28 in combined use. Audi recommends Premium fuel for the A4, unlike its smaller sibling.

The Audi A4 has one extra card up its sleeve. Customers have the option of going with a more powerful 45 TFSI drivetrain. The engine is mostly identical to the base option but tuned for more power. It outputs 261 hp and 273 lb.-ft of torque, which makes it very nimble and lets it accelerate to 60 mph in close to 5 seconds. This drivetrain comes with a sports suspension which results in a ride height lowered by 23 mm.

With a better fuel economy and almost identical power, the Audi A3 makes more sense. However, if you want something with a bit more kick to it, you will not get that with the smaller subcompact sedan unless you go with one of the performance models (S3, RS3).

Technology

The Audi A3 is a newer addition to the Audi lineup. While the A4 in its current B9 generation was first introduced in 2015, the latest A3 only dates back to 2019. This makes it more advanced in some technological aspects, and also puts it closer to the latest Audi models in terms of design, as was already mentioned. That said, Audi constantly improves its models and in 2019, the A4 has received a facelift, which modernized the exterior and introduced a few new equipment options.

Perhaps the most major change that came with the facelift of the A4 was the infotainment system, which is now entirely controlled by a touchscreen, unlike the previous solution, which used a physical knob located on the center console. While operating the system was not as intuitive, it made it safer to use while driving. The controls are now unified with the A3 in the 8Y generation, which has an infotainment system also controlled by touch.

As the A3 is positioned a class below the A4, it uses a platform called MQB Evo, which is shared across the VW Group and utilized by the eight-generation Volkswagen Golf. This puts the A3 closer to mainstream hatchbacks, unlike the A4, which is built on the MLB platform. The MLB was purpose-built for the higher-end cars built by the VW Group, including the Audi A6, but also top-of-the-line luxury vehicles including the Audi A8, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus. Of course, the platforms allow for a wide range of customization, so this is not to say that the A4 is identical to a Lamborghini. Nonetheless, the platform, including the suspension and axles, is built in a more premium fashion on the larger Audi A4. In fact, the Audi A3 uses a McPherson strut on the front axle and four-link independent on the rear, while the A4 uses a more refined five-link independent suspension on both axles.

As far as tech goes, both models feature lots of optional advanced technology including almost semi-autonomous driving with the use of adaptive cruise control and active steering. Full LED headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, electrically operated seats, digital gauge cluster, premium sound system, and much more can be featured both on the smaller subcompact Audi A3 and its larger sibling.

In the end, the A3 seems on par with the A4 when considering optional equipment. Where this changes, is when you start looking “under the skin.” Then, the A4, despite being an older model, starts to appear as a better deal. In this category, the win definitely goes to the A4.

Pricing

Whether we like it or not, price is often the deciding factor when choosing a new car. The Audi A3 starts at $34,900, which is five grand less than the base A4 sedan priced at $39,900. The A3 can thus look like a more compelling offer, but at base specifications, the A4 comes with an all-wheel drive instead of a front-wheel drive on the A3. In addition, while the engines are similar, the one in the larger sedan comes with an additional 15 lb.-ft of torque extra. The famous Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system comes as a $2,000 extra on the A3, placing the two models only three thousand dollars apart.

Being available with only one engine choice and two trim levels, the A3 cannot go much further from the base price, which tops up at $40,500. On the other hand, the base price of the highest trim level without options on the Audi A4 goes up to $50,900 with the 45 TFSI drivetrain.

At base levels, the A4 is a more compelling choice. For only $3,000 more, you get a larger car with slightly better power, better comfort, and similar equipment. However, when you start looking at some of the more advanced luxury features and the more powerful drivetrain on the A4, the price will climb up quickly, making the A3 a better choice for your wallet.

Audi A3 vs A4 – The Verdict

Audi A3 vs A4 is a difficult choice to make. In most cases, it really isn’t a matter of which one of these cars is better, but which one better meets your needs. When the price is your main concern, definitely go for the smaller, yet extremely capable Audi A3. The same applies if you are looking for a car that will spend most of its time in the city. 

There, the A3 will offer a better fuel economy, and more importantly, easier maneuvering and parking thanks to its more compact size. On the other hand, if you are going to Audi because of the utmost luxury and that premium feel, the A4 will give you a better bang for your buck. Not only that, but the A4 will also serve as a better family car, especially when you consider the wagon version offered as an off-road capable A4 Allroad. The choice is yours.