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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3 Price Comparison

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs Audi A3 Price Comparison:
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs Audi A3 Price Comparison:

TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and Audi A3. Including:

 

Calculate Payments

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Summary

For the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3 price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. A3 Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Golf / Rabbit / GTI and A3 will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI TDI's price is $5,675 lower than the Audi A3 2.0 TDI's price

Each car includes features you didn't request, and that aren't included on the other car. In the Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. A3 Features Comparison table we've tallied these features up and assigned monetary values to them using the site's default values. For example, compared to the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI TDI, the Audi A3 2.0 TDI includes additional features worth $2275. The TrueDelta Value Comparison figures include adjustments for most differences in feature content. However, they do not include advertising fees, factory-to-dealer incentives, or differences in engines, tires, seat configurations, and audio systems. Exceptions: They do include values for third-row seats and media players. Additional notes

0 In this case, despite a $2275 adjustment for the Audi A3 2.0 TDI's additional features, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI TDI is $5,675 less than the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI TDI.

TrueDelta Value Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3

Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI TDI
TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 5,675
TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 4,437
Model Year20122012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTIA3
TrimTDI2.0 TDI
Body4dr Hatch4dr Hatch
Engine140hp I4 D140hp I4 D
TransmissionS6S6
DrivetrainFWDFWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway)30/42 MPG30/42 MPG
Audio (watts, speakers300, 8195, 10
Tire (rear if not all the same)225/45-17225/45-17
Total Price30,44538,395
Adjustments for Features0-2,275
Feature-Adjusted Total Price30,44536,120
Total Invoice29,21635,773
Adjustments for Features0-2,120
Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice29,21633,653

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Invoice Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3

Price Comparison (MSRP): Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3

The sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.

Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.

Lowest Total Price: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI TDI
Difference: 7,950
Lowest Total Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI TDI
Difference: 6,557
Model Year20122012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTIA3
TrimTDI2.0 TDI
Body4dr Hatch4dr Hatch
Base Price24,93530,250
Base Invoice23,93728,134
Tech Package3,405 
All-weather floor mats235120
6-speed automated manual1,100 
Cold Weather Package 500
Premium Plus Package 2,000
Navigation system 2,000
Convenience Package 1,275
Metallic paint (extra cost) 475
iPod integration -200
Panoramic sunroof 1,100
Tech Package 0
All-weather floor mats 112
6-speed automated manual 0
Cold Weather Package 466
Premium Plus Package 1,860
Navigation system 1,860
Convenience Package 1,186
Metallic paint (extra cost) 443
iPod integration -186
Panoramic sunroof 1,023
Total options4,7407,270
Total options4,5096,764
Destination770875
Total Price30,44538,395
Total Invoice29,21635,773

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While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.

 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20134dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
The TDI was more than $7,000 cheaper than a Golf R. You have to really want the R to pay the premium. I wanted it more than my wife did. Guess who won? Three months later, I'm very happy with the economy but feeling no pain as the car is still great to drive everyday.
20114dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
For 35 percent less monthly than the BMW I can own the car rather than lease.
20102dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For the amount of standard equipment (ESP, 6-speed tiptronic, 170 hp engine), it is actually cheaper than a similarly configured Honda Civic or even Fit. Great value for money.
20092dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Relatively low payment, get lots of nonstandard options as standard on VWs
20082dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Purchased as a used-corp. leased vehicle at a 30%+ discount
20082dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
I paid 23K for a 2008 with 6K miles.
20082dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Reasonable trade-in value on the 2002 GTI, + incentives, "drive-away" lease program = $88/month.
20072dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Great value for the engineering and materials
20072dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For about $17,000, the best package of standard equipment available today! Aircon, 4-wheel disk brakes, stability control, electric-assist power steering, power everything, remote entry, alarm, zippy 2.5 liter engine, comfortable seats, large cargo room
20072dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
The GTI was much cheaper then most other cars I was considering (3-series, A4, 9-3, TSX, and G35).
20024dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
$15,000 is a good price given that it carries 4 people+ gear in good comfort, gets decent fuel economy, and has an interior looking at least one class above.
Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20122dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
I mentioned earlier that the Golf is still assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany, and hasn't been moved to any of VW's new world plants. This might be a mark in its favor vis-à-vis quality control, but the Euro-dollar exchange rate is not your friend on this model. 18K is a steep base price in this segment (although, to be fair, you often have to step up to some kind of "sport" trim line in other cars to get remotely competitive refinement). Things only get worse from here, as the jump to a GTI or a TDI is quite brutal. But if you just remind yourself that you're buying into the cheapest European car to be had in the United States, a car of exquisite refinement, I find that the sting goes away very quickly!
20104dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
There are many other similarly sized cars that cost much less. The extra cost gets you the better handling, faster engine, and higher quality interior.
20092dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
not willing to deal at all, I get a supplier discount and it didnt matter
20082dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
they are a little pricey compared to others with similar MPG
20072dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Pretty expensive to buy in Canada
20064dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
VW golf seems to be priced a lot higher than equivalent japanese or north american compact cars.
20052dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The price was more than a Passat

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Audi A3

Price of the Audi A3: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
20094dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual AWD
Expensive for the size of the car. I would expect a few more luxury features to be standard for the base price.
20084dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
The price is high for an Audi. And if you want anything optional, well, there you go.
20084dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
reatively expensive car
20084dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Pricing was actually higher for a lesser equipped A3 than for the Passat Komfort wagon.
20074dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Not for the faint of heart.
20074dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
The A3 is not priced too competitively. It is much less expensive than a BMW 1 series, but still high for a compact/hatchback. Well equipped it is nearly as much as an A4. A loaded VW GTI (same chassis/drivetrain) costs much less, but insurance is higher.
20064dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
A3 is expensive.

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Features Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3

Model Year20122012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTIA3
TrimTDI2.0 TDI
Body4dr Hatch4dr Hatch
Transmission and Drivetrain 
6-speed automated manual$1100$1100
FWD$0$0
Accessories 
Proximity key$250 
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety 
Obstacle detection, rear $300
Cargo Management 
Air-conditioned storage compartment$50 
Cargo mat$40 
Cargo net $40
Storage compartment under front seat(s) $50
Climate Control and Infotainment 
Automatic air recirculation $100
Automatic climate control, front $200
Aux input$100 
Bluetooth audio streaming$25 
CD player$125 
Dual-zone climate control $125
Rain-sensing wipers $175
Rear air vents$100 
Variable intermittent wipers$75 
Exterior 
Bodyside moldings $75
Panoramic sunroof $1200
Sunroof$900 
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors 
Auto-dimming rearview mirror $150
Automatic headlights $125
Fog light, rear $100
Interior ambient lighting $150
Steering-linked headlights$150 
Powertrain 
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controls $100
Seats and Interior Trim 
Aluminum trim $100
Leather seating surfaces $900
Manual height adjuster, driver seat$50 
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seat$50 
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seat$50 
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat $150
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat $100
Power height adjuster, driver seat $100
Power recliner, passenger seat$100 
Power tilt adjuster, driver seat $100
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires 
Touring suspension (upgrade)$0 
Total Value of Features$3,165$5,440
Value of Feature Adjustments$0$2,275
Value of Feature Adjustments0-2,120

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Specifications Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3

Model Year20122012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTIA3
Body4dr Hatch4dr Hatch
Wheelbase101.5 in101.5 in
Length165.4 in168.7 in
Width70.3 in69.5 in
Height58.3 in56.0 in
Curb Weight3,025 lb.3,362 lb.
Fuel Capacity14.5 gal.15.0 gal.
Row 1 Headroom39.3 in38.1 in
Row 1 Shoulder Room54.7 in54.3 in
Row 1 Legroom41.2 in41.2 in
Row 2 Headroom38.5 in36.9 in
Row 2 Shoulder Room52.8 in52.8 in
Row 2 Legroom35.5 in34.8 in
Cargo Volume,
Minimum
15.0 ft313.1 ft3
Cargo Volume,
Maximum
46.0 ft354.6 ft3

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Option Package Details
TDI

Tech Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Steering-linked headlights150No
Xenon HID headlights500Yes
Proximity key250No
Dynaudio, 300W, 8 speakers350No
Navigation system600Yes
Sunroof900Yes
Total Requested200073%
Total Not Requested75027%

Option Package Details
2.0 TDI

Navigation system
FeatureValueRequested?
Navigation system600Yes
CD changer, remote200No
Digital media reader25Yes
Total Requested62576%
Total Not Requested20024%
Cold Weather Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Heated mirrors25Yes
Heated front seats300Yes
Heated windshield washer nozzles15Yes
Total Requested340100%
Total Not Requested00%
Premium Plus Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Illuminated visor mirror, driver40Yes
Illuminated visor mirror, passenger40Yes
Xenon HID headlights500Yes
Map lights25No
Aluminum trim100No
Interior ambient lighting150No
Audio controls on steering wheel125Yes
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat100No
Power height adjuster, driver seat50No
Power tilt adjuster, driver seat100No
Power recliner, driver seat100Yes
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat150No
Bluetooth cell phone link100Yes
Total Requested90557%
Total Not Requested67543%
Convenience Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Auto-dimming rearview mirror150No
Rain-sensing wipers100No
Automatic headlights125No
Obstacle detection, rear300No
Compass25Yes
Perimeter approach lighting25No
Bose, 195W, 10 speakers (with subwoofer)350No
Total Requested252%
Total Not Requested105098%

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What Our Members Are Saying about Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Materials and Workmanship

Available Features of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Here is the true selling point for the Golf for those who value substance and quality vs Style and quantity of accouterments. Almost every surface in the front and rear has heft and depth in quality to it. If the VW logo on the steering were replaced with an Audi's one would be ok with it. But its phenomenal that it can be had for just above $17K. No other economy car comes even close. Paint quality is exceptional and "orange peel" effect is minimal and hard to identify. Under body and under hood plastics feel and look of good quality and well designed. No flashy designs here. Guaranteed, 10 years from now - it will still look fresh.
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
Both cars seem well made, but the Honda had huge expanses of cheap-feeling plastic, whereas more of the VW were soft-touch. The Golf felt more precise and doors closed softly and firmly, seats moved easily, and controls felt better.
2012 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
It's hardly a secret at this point that, whatever else VW has done with its U.S. models, the Golf is exceptionally refined and well-made both inside and out. Materials feel luxurious, especially on the dash; you really have to search to find a hard or flimsy piece of plastic. VW even bothered to cover the seatbelt fasteners with some kind of faux velvet. The seats are comfortable and sporty, and they look about as good as cloth can look - with a kind of textured stitching that also serves to keep you from sliding around. I've put 25K miles on the car and the seats are still as springy and firm as when I bought it. Perhaps best of all, the doors (at least on my 3-door version) are weighty and shut with an extremely satisfying thunk. This car feels far more luxurious than its price would suggest.
2012 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Materials seem good for the class. Some plastic looks cheap, but not bad for the price point.
2011 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Soft touch, well made materials all around, the very few areas where VW cheaped out are in out of the way locations.
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
The materials in this car are top notch. I am shocked by the number of $50000 luxury cars that have cheaper feeling interiors than this car (the latest BMW 3-Series for example).
2010 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Awesome materials, great fit and finish, no squeaks, rattles or creaks, and it just feels incredibly well put together.
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
it looks good and feels good to touch.
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Best in class, and in the case of the GTI, better than much more expensive vehicles. Stitching, steering wheel, metal accents on vents, I could go on...
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Everything fits, small gapping, solid feeling car. Nothing falling off or breaking easily.
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
seemed well made/good materials and craftsmanship
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
As often said, interior more Audi-esque than Mazda-like. Rock-solid construction, interior materials exceptional, all controls are illuminated, extensive warranty consistent w/ that.
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
The dash top/door panels, and the leather/vinyl are first rate. The hard (cheap) plastic is regulated to the lower sections of the interior where it can hide. The doors shut very easily, with a solid thunk. All controls have a solid click.
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
great!!
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
The only car in its price category to have an Audi-equivalent interior. Soft-touch materials, all controls (dash, wheel, doors) illuminated, no rattles/squeaks, excellent seats, all seams regular and tight.
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
The interior of every VW is leagues above its segment rivals, and the Golf/Rabbit is no exception. The materials are top-notch, the fit and finish is excellent, and the design is aesthetically pleasing.
2008 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Easy access to spark plugs for replacement, cast iron engine for longevity, timing chains are a tossup - they should last a long time, but when they go, they will be too expensive to replace. Doors are over-engineered and strong - you can swing from them.
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
The interior is very well done. The attention to detail is very high. The exterior design is very functional and understated.
2008 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This is one of the main things that turned us off from the Fit. The interior on the Rabbit just seems more solid, of a higher quality, and a lot quieter ride. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and adjustable.
2008 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
The interior is very nicely put together. It feels like a much more expensive car than it actually is.
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
The quality of the car feels "solid", not cheap and plastic.
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
seems to be a solidly built car
2008 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
very solid feel, not flashy
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
German engineering babe! Of course they can improve but hey for a 25k car is not bad.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Great interior material quality and assembly.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Solid German engineering. I have the Fahrenheit edition, so they threw in everything you could possibly get, and topped it with a Lamborghini Orange paint job.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Dashboard materials and soft plastics, and seat fabrics easily blow away any other competitors. Everything else--Imprezas to Evolutions to Cobalt SS--all looks like a plastic rental car compared to the GTI.
2007 4dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Interior quality is top notch
2004 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
The interior has the quality of a car costing twice as much. Fit and finish is top notch.
2003 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
Good quality. No stupid plastic pieces breaking under normal use, interrior stays together, no sqeaks, the odd rattle when on a really rough road.
Materials and Workmanship of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For the MK VI which is focusing on better interior acoustics, I am very disappointed to have the wind noise problem on my doors.
2007 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
design issues with air cleaner location make it very difficult to change (hidden on bottom of engine cover). Oil filter has gone back 10 years from my other vw. requires special tools for simple maintenance. High cost of bringing it in.

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What Our Members Are Saying about Audi A3 Materials and Workmanship

Available Features of the Audi A3: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Audi really does make some of the best interiors.
2007 4dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Solid feel throughout. No creaks or rattles
2007 4dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Never a rust problem. Nothing screams "cheap".
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Everything seems tight and works. The seats are comfortable front and back.
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Anything Audi is extremely well engineered. The interior is very comfortable and well laid out. All body and drivetrain parts seem very solid. Audi galvanizes the whole body before painting, so rust will never be a problem (hence 12 year rust warranty).
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Cutlines are small and regular, and have had no problems with the car in 3.5 years of ownership.
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
1st class
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
High quality and solid, inside and out.
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Tight gaps and soft touch surfaces. Design was allowed to use nice materials to make the car inviting to customers.

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