2025 Audi A3 vs 2025 Subaru BRZ
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the practical luxury of the 2025 Audi A3 and the spirited fun of the 2025 Subaru BRZ boils down to priorities. If budget and running costs are key, the A3 starts $4,990 higher at $38,200 but offers a superior Combined MPG of 28 versus the BRZ's 22. Commuters will appreciate the A3's automated manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. However, driving enthusiasts will notice the BRZ squeezes out an extra 27 horsepower, reaching 228 hp compared to the A3's 201 hp, although the BRZ demands premium fuel. Furthermore, the A3 is slightly larger, measuring 177.3 inches long, offering a bit more presence than the compact 167.9-inch BRZ. Ultimately, balancing efficiency and refinement against pure driving engagement separates these two very different vehicles.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 wins for commuters due to its significantly better combined MPG of 28 and more comfortable sedan dimensions.
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 is the better choice for families, offering 2.0 cu ft more cargo capacity and a more conventional four-door layout.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is preferred by enthusiasts because it offers a higher 228 hp output and a dedicated rear-wheel-drive platform paired with a manual transmission.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ provides more raw performance horsepower per dollar, starting at $33,210 compared to the A3's $38,200 MSRP.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the A3 achieves 28 Combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
- You require the added stability of all-wheel drive for varied weather conditions.
- You need slightly more space, evidenced by the 8.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- You are willing to pay for premium fuel to achieve 228 hp in a lighter package.
- You prefer the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
- You want the lowest entry price, as the BRZ starts $4,990 less than the A3 at $33,210.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.3" | 167.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.7" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/34 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/493.0 mi. | 264.0/356.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 225/45R17 | 215/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2025 Subaru BRZ.
Which car uses cheaper fuel?
The 2025 Audi A3 runs efficiently on regular unleaded, resulting in lower ongoing costs. The 2025 Subaru BRZ specifically requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon.
How much power difference is there between the two?
The Subaru BRZ is slightly more powerful, producing 228 hp, which is 27 hp more than the Audi A3's 201 hp. However, the A3 compensates with more torque at 236 lb-ft versus the BRZ's 184 lb-ft.
Is the A3 significantly larger than the BRZ?
Yes, the Audi A3 is slightly larger overall, measuring 177.3 inches long compared to the BRZ's 167.9 inches. This translates to 8.3 cu ft of cargo room in the A3 versus 6.3 cu ft in the BRZ coupe.
Which vehicle is better for snow driving?
The Audi A3 is better suited for slick conditions because it comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Subaru BRZ is rear-wheel drive, which is generally less optimal in snow and ice.
Does the transmission type affect the driving experience significantly?
Absolutely; the A3 uses a modern 7-speed automated manual for smooth shifts, whereas the BRZ offers a highly engaging 6-speed manual transmission for driver control.
What is the true cost difference considering gas mileage?
While the BRZ is cheaper upfront, the A3 saves money long-term with a 28 combined MPG rating compared to the BRZ’s 22 combined MPG, offsetting some of its higher MSRP.
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