Giulia vs A3
The Giulia and the A3 are two different answers to the same compact luxury car brief, each with its own set of priorities. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Giulia wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.9
- Engine & Performance2.6
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 Giulia has 79 hp more power
On this line of the spec sheet, the Giulia is in a different league: 280 hp, next to 201 hp for the A3. The Giulia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Giulia has 85 lb-ft more torque
For torque, the Giulia leads by a wide margin: 306 lb-ft versus 221 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Giulia | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Giulia leads
The A3 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Giulia pulls well ahead. The Giulia gives you 79 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For engine & performance, the Giulia is the one to beat.
Total system output
Giulia: 280 hp A3: 201 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Giulia: 306 lb-ft A3: 221 lb-ft The Giulia’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Giulia and the A3 each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Giulia | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 280 hp (winner) | 201 hp |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft (winner) | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (Q4) | AWD (quattro) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Giulia | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 34 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Giulia | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Giulia | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Giulia | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 8.8 in Smallest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Giulia | A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | 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 Giulia if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (280 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (306 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Alfa Romeo
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Giulia or the A3?
On the specs compared here, the Giulia makes more sense for most buyers; the A3 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Giulia versus the A3 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. I’d put 79 hp more power at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Giulia.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the Giulia, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the A3), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Giulia.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.