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Audi A3 Sportback vs Mazda MX-5 Roadster comparison

Compare performance (400 HP vs 132 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 29,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Mazda MX-5 Roadster?

Audi A3 Sportback vs Mazda MX-5 Roadster: Key differences

Audi A3 Sportback

4.1 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • substantially more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • significantly more trunk space
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Mazda MX-5 Roadster

4.1 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Audi A3 Sportback is barely cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster costs 29,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,962 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mazda MX-5 Roadster with 6.2 L/100km. The difference is about 5.1 L/100km.

MX-5 Roadster

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback offers substantially more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 268 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster takes 8.3 s. That’s about 4.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A3 Sportback delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 152 Nm. That’s about 348 Nm more.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Audi A3 Sportback offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Roadster is clearly lighter – 1,078 kg compared to 1,345 kg. The difference is around 267 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Audi A3 Sportback offers significantly more boot space – 380 L compared to 130 L. That’s a difference of about 250 L.

When it comes to payload, the Audi A3 Sportback carries significantly more – 485 kg compared to 152 kg. That’s a difference of about 333 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Sportback is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £27,000
A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid
  • Transmission Manual, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range 134 - 141 km
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

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Reviews Audi A3 Sportback

4.1 (2 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Mazda MX-5 is a featherweight, open-top sports car that turns ordinary roads into a grin-inducing playground thanks to razor-sharp steering and an engaging, tactile gearbox. It won’t swallow the weekly shopping or ski bags, but for anyone after pure driving fun and sun-on-your-face weekends, few cars match its sheer charm and value.

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Reviews Mazda MX-5 Roadster

4.1 (1 Reviews)
rate
Oliel
9 Aug 2026, 14:18:24

Good Car, much fun, very lightweight, can fit loads of grocheries in the trunk, great family car

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Mazda MX-5 Roadster

Costs and Consumption
Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
Price
29,000 - 34,300 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
140 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,345 - 1,685 kg
Curb weight
1,078 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
130 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Width
1,735 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 485 kg
Payload
152 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission
Manual
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
132 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
152 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
97 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
1,496 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mazda
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.