A3 vs 2 Series Gran Coupe
Choosing between Audi and BMW often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact luxury car class, that pair is the A3 and the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Look at the scorecard and the 2 Series Gran Coupe stands out, ahead in 2 of 4 areas. The engine & performance numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 2 Series Gran Coupe wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Gran Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.7
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
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
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 40 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 241 hp to the A3’s 201 hp, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 74 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is far ahead here: 295 lb-ft compared with 221 lb-ft. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has better fuel economy
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the 2 Series Gran Coupe leads 30 mpg to 28 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has better highway fuel economy
The difference is minor (38 mpg against 34 mpg), but if you’re splitting hairs, the 2 Series Gran Coupe wins it. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has better city fuel economy
The A3 comes close with 24 mpg; the 2 Series Gran Coupe does slightly better with 26 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
2 Series Gran Coupe leads
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. On its side, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has 40 hp more power. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For engine & performance, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is the one to beat.
Total system output
A3: 201 hp 2 Series Gran Coupe: 241 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
A3: 221 lb-ft 2 Series Gran Coupe: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Gran Coupe leads
In this area the 2 Series Gran Coupe has a lead the A3 can’t close. Choose the 2 Series Gran Coupe and you get better fuel economy. The 2 Series Gran Coupe uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. If this section decides it for you, choose the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Fuel economy (combined)
A3: 28 mpg 2 Series Gran Coupe: 30 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
A3: 34 mpg 2 Series Gran Coupe: 38 mpg The 2 Series Gran Coupe uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The A3 and the 2 Series Gran Coupe match each other closely in this area. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the A3 and the 2 Series Gran Coupe each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A3 | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 241 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD (xDrive) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A3 | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 30 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg | 38 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A3 | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A3 | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A3 | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“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 2 Series Gran Coupe if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (241 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (38 mpg vs 34 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A3 or the 2 Series Gran Coupe?
On the specs compared here, the 2 Series Gran Coupe makes more sense for most buyers; the A3 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the A3 versus the 2 Series Gran Coupe is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. I’d put 40 hp more power at the top of the list, and it belongs to the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Add better fuel economy to the list, and the 2 Series Gran Coupe looks even better.
I think of the A3 as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the 2 Series Gran Coupe as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.