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Audi A3 Sportback vs VW Golf - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (400 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (27000 £ vs 25200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or VW Golf?

Audi A3 Sportback

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £ , while the Audi A3 Sportback costs 27000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1805 £.

Both cars consume an average of 1.10 L per 100 km – no difference here.

As for electric range, the VW Golf performs slight better – achieving up to 143 km, about 2 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

Golf

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 has a slightly edge – offering 400 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 67 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the VW Golf takes 4.60 s. That’s about 0.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs to a small extent better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Audi A3 Sportback tops out at 237 km/h. The difference is around 33 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A3 Sportback pulls slightly stronger with 500 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm difference.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is barely noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1360 kg. The difference is around 53 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers slight more room – 381 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 1 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs a bit better – up to 1237 L, which is about 137 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf slight takes the win – 508 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 28 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Sportback is clearly ahead 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.

Audi A3 Sportback
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £27,000
A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 9.3 L
  • Electric Range : 134 - 141 km

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.

details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
Audi A3 Sportback
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption

Price
27000 - 56600 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4352 - 4353 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1441 - 1470 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Audi
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.