Difference Between Audi A3 and A4
Audi’s A3 and A4 look similar, but they have several key differences in size, performance, fuel economy, and more.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
The Audi A3 and A4 are nearly identical in terms of looks, but we promise that the vehicles have several key differences in size, price, fuel economy, and more.
Unless you’re an Audi aficionado, it may be hard to spot the differences between the subcompact Audi A3 and compact Audi A4—even side-by-side, they look incredibly alike! Take a look at the price tags, however, and you’ll see a stark difference, implying that something more must be setting these two German-engineered vehicles apart.
Here to explore all of the specs that set Audi’s A3 and A4 apart is
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Audi A3 vs Audi A4—how are they different?
At first glance, the Audi A3 and Audi A4 look almost identical. However, we’re here to tell you that these two cars are sisters—not twins.
Let’s take a closer look at all of the differences between the luxury sedans.
Price
First things first: when shopping for a new car, you’ll want to begin with the price! The 2023
Audi A3
is the less expensive vehicle with a starting MSRP of $35,995 for the 2023 model. Only two trims are available and both have starting prices of under $40k:- 2023 Audi A3 Premium: $35,995
- 2023 Audi A3 Premium Plus: $39,595
The 2023
Audi A4
costs considerably more with a starting MSRP of $40,995. Plus, you’ll be able to select from a wider variety of trims—each more expensive than the last:- 2023 Audi A4 Premium 40: $40,995
- 2023 Audi A4 Premium 45: $43,095
- 2023 Audi A4 Premium Plus 40: $46,095
- 2023 Audi A4 Premium Plus 45: $47,695
- 2023 Audi A4 Prestige 40: $51,295
- 2023 Audi A4 Prestige 45: $51,295
Keep in mind, however, that the A3’s ticket price grows quickly as you add on more and more luxury options. The A4, on the other hand, comes equipped with more standard features, meaning it could end up being less expensive in the long run—at least if you’re set on having all of the high-quality equipment that Audi offers.
Safety and fuel economy
No matter where your Audi takes you, you want to make sure that it can do so safely—and without burning through a bunch of gas.
The 2023 A3 features some satisfactory driver-assistance technology, with basic safety features such as automated emergency braking being standard and more advanced tech available with option packages. You’ll have to upgrade to access features like lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
Surprisingly, the A4—despite costing significantly more—limits many of these features to higher, more expensive models. Automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning is standard, as is lane-departure warning (unlike the A3), but you’ll still have to pay extra for blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
As for fuel economy, the EPA rates the front-wheel-drive A3 Premium at 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The slightly more powerful
A3 Premium Plus
(which comes standard with Quattro, Audi’s all-wheel-drive system) earned a rating of 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.The EPA rated the Audi A4 40 (regardless of the trim) at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for a combined rating of 28 mpg. The A4 45 is a little less efficient, with ratings of 24 mpg city, 31 highway, and 27 mpg combined.
The verdict? When it comes to safety and fuel economy, the A3 and A4 are neck-and-neck, with only slight differences depending on trim level.
Body styling
The 2023 A3 is a simple, sporty, and modern-looking subcompact four-door sedan and convertible. (The hatchback configuration is no longer available.) It features Audi’s iconic large single-frame grille, thin and sleek LED headlights and taillights, sharp styling lines, a cute and stubby front, and rear overhangs with an integrated rear lip spoiler.
The A4 is nearly identical but is classified as compact rather than subcompact—meaning it appears larger with a slightly longer wheelbase and bigger front and rear overhangs.
Reliability
The 2023 Audi A3 has not yet been rated in terms of reliability, but Consumer Reports has asserted that the 2022 model will have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. The 2022 A4, Consumer Reports predicts, will be more reliable than the average new car.
For J.D. Power, however, the smaller vehicle ranks supreme in the A3 vs A4 debate. The 2022 A3 has a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100, while the A4 only earned a score of 74 out of 100.
Interior and comfort
The subcompact A3 has less room for passengers and cargo than the compact A4. Take a look at the interior measurements for both vehicles:
2023 Audi A3 | 2023 Audi A4 | |
|---|---|---|
Headroom - front row | 36.5 inches | 38.9 inches |
Legroom - front row | 41.2 inches | 41.3 inches |
Headroom - second row | 36.1 inches | 37.4 inches |
Legroom - second row | 35.1 inches | 35.7 inches |
Cargo space (trunk only) | 12.3 cubic feet | 13 cubic feet |
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In short, the A4 might not look much bigger, but those extra inches aid to comfort and practicality. For example, full-size adults will enjoy a bit of extra room in the A4’s rear seats—some of the most spacious in its class.
Cargo space isn’t exactly impressive in either vehicle, although you might be able to cram one additional duffle bag or grocery bag into the A4’s trunk. Both have folding rear seats, however, to accommodate larger and longer items!
Aesthetically, the A3 and A4 are both decked out in modern-looking and high-quality materials. While the A4 is a bit more laid back, with a simple, user-friendly dashboard, the
A3 interior
presents as the sassy little sibling thanks to two large air vents flanking the car's gauge display and a stitched panel lining the top of the dashboardTechnology and other features
The A3 features a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen on all models, supplemented by good old-fashioned buttons for climate controls and other basic controls. Of course, common features like Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay are included. Want something even bigger? Opt for the 12.3-inch unit as part of the Technology package on the Premium Plus trim.
Leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control also come standard.
The A4's infotainment system consists of the same 10.1-inch touchscreen. Standard features include Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and voice command. Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, in-car Wi-Fi, and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system can be added with various option packages.
Additional standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, and ambient lighting.
Should you buy the Audi A3 or A4?
When you head to your dealership and look at the two Audi sedans side-by-side, it may be difficult to justify the higher sticker price of the A4 right off the bat.
However, after you take both vehicles for a test drive, you’ll want to sit down with a salesperson and carefully go over your preferred trim levels and options for each vehicle.
Why? The A4 comes equipped with far more standard features, in terms of safety, technology, and even interior aesthetics. Most of these luxurious add-ons are available for the A3, but you’ll have to pay for multiple package upgrades to get them.
So if you want the most tricked-out option, we recommend going for the A4. As a bonus, you’ll get some extra room for your passengers to stretch out in! However, the Audi A3 may be your best bet if you want the most affordable and no-nonsense option.
MORE:
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FAQs
Is the Audi A4 bigger than the Audi A3?
Yes—the A4 is a compact sedan that’s langer than the subcompact A3. with more passenger and cargo space.
Which is more expensive—the Audi A3 or A4?
The Audi A4 is considerably more expensive when looking at starting MSRPs—it starts at $40,995 whereas the A3 starts at $35,995. However, the A4 comes with far more standard options that you would have to pay extra for to get on a comparable A3.
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