Audi A3 vs. Ford Fiesta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A3 and Ford Fiesta contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A3 and the Ford Fiesta.

When we compare the Audi A3's and the Ford Fiesta's specifications and ratings, the Audi A3 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Audi A3's and the Ford Fiesta's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fiesta is a better car than the Audi A3.

Pricing: A used 2019 Audi A3 ranges from $17,990 to $25,993 while a used 2019 Ford Fiesta is priced between $8,991 to $16,993.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A3 loses 48.3 percent of its value and the Ford Fiesta loses 30.3 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fiesta retains 18 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A3.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A3 is 8.2 out of 10 while the Ford Fiesta's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Audi A3 being ranked 9 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Ford Fiesta being ranked 23 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A3 is 7.1 out of 10. For the Ford Fiesta the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fiesta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A3.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A3’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the Ford Fiesta base engine makes 120 horsepower. The A3 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. The Fiesta is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 434 miles.This gives the Ford Fiesta the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Audi A3 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Audi A3 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Audi A3 has higher safety ratings than the Ford Fiesta, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.