What are the differences between Audi A4 and Audi A3?
3 Answers
The differences between Audi A4 and Audi A3 are: 1. Different body structures: Audi A4 is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan; Audi A3 is a 5-door, 5-seater hatchback. 2. Different body dimensions: The length, width, and height of the Audi A4 are 4858mm, 1847mm, and 1439mm respectively; the length, width, and height of the Audi A3 are 4351mm, 1815mm, and 1458mm respectively. 3. Different wheelbases: The wheelbase of the Audi A4 is 2630mm; the wheelbase of the Audi A3 is 2908mm. 4. Different suspension systems: The front and rear suspensions of the Audi A4 are both five-link independent suspensions; the front suspension of the Audi A3 is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a multi-link independent suspension.
As someone who has driven both models, I'd say the main differences lie in the sense of bulkiness and driving experience. The A4 is nearly 30cm longer than the A3 with significantly more wheelbase, allowing three adults to sit comfortably in the back seat, and the trunk can accommodate both a stroller and luggage. The A3 is more suitable for singles or young couples, with the rear seats often used as storage space. In terms of power, even the A4's low-power 2.0T version outperforms the top-spec A3, providing more confidence when overtaking on highways. The interior material quality shows noticeable differences - the A4's dashboard is entirely wrapped in soft leather, while the A3's door panels still contain hard plastics. The steering wheel feel is also distinct: the A4 offers light steering at low speeds and firmness at high speeds, whereas the A3's steering is generally lighter but less precise. The key consideration is usage scenario - the A4 suits frequent long-distance drivers or families with children better, while the A3 proves more agile and fuel-efficient for pure urban commuting.
When choosing between the two cars, I carefully compared them and found they belong to fundamentally different segments. The A3 is a compact model, just over 4.3 meters long, making parking and navigating narrow alleys extremely convenient. The A4, being a standard B-segment sedan, has a 4.8-meter body that always makes me worry about scraping the mirrors in mall parking garages. Both offer 1.4T and 2.0T engine options, but the A4 starts with the 2.0T, delivering much stronger acceleration and more noticeable push-back sensation. The biggest configuration difference lies in the lighting systems—the A4 comes standard with matrix headlights featuring dynamic cornering, while the base A3 still uses regular LEDs. The suspension tuning reveals an interesting contrast: the A3 goes over speed bumps with two crisp thuds, while the A4 glides over like a cotton ball. For driving enthusiasts, I'd recommend the A3; for those prioritizing comfort and premium quality, go straight for the A4.
