Integra vs A3
In the compact luxury car class, the Integra and the A3 are natural rivals. Your answer depends on what you value. The Integra does better on fuel economy & range, and the A3 does better on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A3 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Integra wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing A3 wins
- Engine & Performance1.6
- Fuel Economy & Range9.9
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The A3 has 29 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (221 lb-ft for the A3, 192 lb-ft for the Integra) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Integra has better fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 32 mpg for the Integra, 28 mpg for the A3. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Integra has better city fuel economy
The spread here is large: 29 mpg on the Integra versus 24 mpg on the A3. Expect to notice it. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The Integra has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the Integra is a touch ahead here, listing 37 mpg against 34 mpg. The Integra uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
-
The A3 has available all-wheel drive
The A3 has it; the Integra doesn’t. No percentages needed. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 55.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
A3 leads
This is one of the A3’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the Integra falls well short. The A3 wins here with 29 lb-ft more torque. The A3’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. Prioritize engine & performance, and the A3 is where you should land.
Torque
Integra: 192 lb-ft A3: 221 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Integra leads
Look at the fuel economy & range table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Integra. The Integra brings better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the Integra.
Fuel economy (combined)
Integra: 32 mpg A3: 28 mpg The Integra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Integra: 29 mpg A3: 24 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Integra starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
A3 leads
The off-road & towing numbers lean toward the A3, not dramatically but consistently. The A3 has the edge with available all-wheel drive. The A3 offers all-wheel drive; the Integra doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. On off-road & towing alone, the A3 gets the nod.
AWD / 4WD available
Integra: no A3: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Integra and the A3 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 200 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft Least torque in class | 221 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT (6-speed manual available) | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD (quattro) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 29 mpg (winner) Best city economy | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg (winner) | 34 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.3 cu ft Biggest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 55.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Integra | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,400 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Integra if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (32 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (29 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (37 mpg vs 34 mpg)
Choose the A3 if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (221 lb-ft vs 192 lb-ft of torque)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you prefer staying with Audi
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Integra or the A3?
There’s no single right answer. The Integra leads on fuel economy & range and the A3 on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Acura’s Integra against Audi’s A3. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is better fuel economy, and that goes to the Integra. On top of that, the Integra adds better highway fuel economy. In fairness to the A3, 29 lb-ft more torque is a genuine strength.
I’d steer fuel economy & range fans toward the Integra and engine & performance fans toward the A3.
My pick: I’d go with the Integra if I cared most about fuel economy & range, and the A3 if engine & performance mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.