Audi A3 vs. Volkswagen Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf.

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Audi A3 ranges from $19,994 to $28,986 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $15,873 to $22,925.

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 Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 13.7 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 Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Audi A3 being ranked 9 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A3 is 7.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf an 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 Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The A3 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, while the Golf is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon. Both have a highway range of 475 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf are comparable in regards to front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.