What are the differences between Audi A4 and A3?
3 Answers
Audi A4 and A3 differ in their positioning: the A4 is positioned as a family-level compact sedan, while the Audi A3 is positioned as a hatchback, specifically a hot hatch-type sports car. The Audi A3 is a sedan product from Audi, developed on the Volkswagen MQB platform, featuring lightweight design and aluminum materials. The front suspension of the car is MacPherson strut type, while the rear axle adopts a torsion and crank structure with separately arranged springs and shock absorbers, providing high space utilization for the rear suspension layout. All A3 series models come with disc brakes on both front and rear, with ventilated slots on the front brakes.
I've been driving an Audi A3 for several years, and my friend has an A4. The main differences seem to be in size and space. The A3 is a compact car with a shorter wheelbase. The rear seats can accommodate two adults comfortably, but three would be a squeeze, and the trunk can barely fit a large suitcase. The A4, being a midsize sedan, has a wheelbase over ten centimeters longer, offering noticeably more legroom in the back. It’s comfortable for a family of five on long trips, and the trunk can easily fit a stroller and shopping bags. In terms of performance, the A3 typically comes with a front-wheel-drive, small-displacement engine, making it nimble in the city with lower fuel consumption. The A4, however, is equipped with a more powerful 2.0T engine, delivering quicker acceleration, and most versions come standard with quattro all-wheel drive, providing better stability during high-speed cornering. For comfort, the A4 has softer suspension, absorbing bumps better, while the A3’s firmer setup offers more direct handling but with slightly more cabin noise. With a price difference of around 50,000 to 60,000 yuan, the A4 is more practical for families, while the A3 offers better value for singles or commuters.
From a technical perspective, the core differences between the Audi A3 and A4 lie in their platforms and configurations. The A3 is based on the MQB modular platform, primarily equipped with a 1.4T or lower-power 2.0T engine delivering around 180 horsepower, mostly featuring front-wheel drive, making it ideal for fuel-efficient commuting. The A4 utilizes the MLB platform, supporting larger dimensions and weight, often powered by a higher-power 2.0T engine with over 220 horsepower, some models featuring mild hybrid systems for quicker acceleration, and quattro all-wheel drive being more common, providing superior traction on slippery roads. In terms of interior, the A4 boasts a larger display screen supporting advanced driving assists like lane keeping; the A3 has a simpler center console with fewer automated functions. Regarding chassis tuning, the A4 leans towards comfort with excellent vibration absorption, while the A3 offers a stronger sporty feel with responsive steering that may lead to quicker fatigue. For those with ample budget, the A4 offers an upgraded driving experience.
