Model Year | 2008 | 2012 | |
Model | Audi A3 | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | 3.2L V6 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6300 236 lb-ft@2800 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 256 hp@4300 243 lb-ft@2400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 101.5 in | 0 in |
Length | 168.7 in | 165.4 in | 3.3 in |
Width | 69.5 in | 70.3 in | -0.8 in |
Height | 56.0 in | 58.3 in | -2.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3660 lb. | 3326 lb. | 334 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.1 in | 39.3 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.3 in | 54.7 in | -0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 41.2 in | 0 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 38.5 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 52.8 in | 0 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.8 in | 35.5 in | -0.7 in |
Total Legroom | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | -0.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.1 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | -1.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.6 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | 8.6 ft3 |
2008 Audi A3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
A lot less leg room when compared to the GTI, but the rear hatch space is bigger. see full Audi A3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Really just a 4 place vehicle...3 across in the rear is not comfortably possible. see full Audi A3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Slightly too close to each other in arm room. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The back seat is too small for most adults. I hadn't thought about it much when I bought the car, but it became apparent. I'd take friends to lunch and they are uncomfortable.Even ifa personplans on sitting small children in the back, they grow and the useful life of the car is affected. I wish the Europeans would figure that out. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Due to the position of the doors it is hard to get in and out of the car. see full Audi A3 review |
2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |