Audi A3 vs. Volkswagen Passat

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

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

Pricing: A used 2022 Audi A3 ranges from $23,995 to $32,996 while a used 2022 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $17,888 to $26,226.

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 Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Passat retains 5.2 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 Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Audi A3 being ranked 9 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A3 is 7.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Passat 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 201 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The A3 is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Audi A3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Audi A3 has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.