Volkswagen Golf 5 Doors (1997 – 2003) vs Audi A3 (1996 – 2003): specs compared

The Volkswagen Golf 5 Doors is the more powerful of the two, with up to 204 hp against 180 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 7.1 s against 7.5 s. It has the higher top speed: 235 km/h against 229 km/h. It uses less fuel, from 4.0 L/100 km against 5.0 L/100 km.

Specification Volkswagen Golf 5 Doors Volkswagen Golf 5 Doors 1997 – 2003 Audi A3 Audi A3 1996 – 2003
Overview
Origin Germany Germany
Documented years 1997 – 2003 1996 – 2003
Body style 5 Doors · Hatchback —
Variants 16 18
Fuel Diesel, Petrol Diesel, Petrol
Drive FWD · AWD FWD · AWD
Gearbox Automatic · Manual Automatic · Manual
Performance
Power 68 – 204 hp 90 – 180 hp
Torque 128 – 320 Nm 145 – 310 Nm
0–100 km/h 7.1 – 17.2 s 7.5 – 13.7 s
Top speed 160 – 235 km/h 177 – 229 km/h
Economy
Fuel economy 4.0 – 10.8 L/100 km 5.0 – 8.9 L/100 km
Dimensions
Length 4,150 mm 4,153 mm
Width 1,740 mm 1,735 mm
Height 1,440 mm 1,427 mm
Wheelbase 2,510 mm 2,510 mm
Curb weight 1,092 – 1,420 kg 1,090 – 1,300 kg

Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.

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