A3 vs CT4
Put the A3 next to the CT4 and you have Audi and Cadillac going after exactly the same compact luxury car crowd. Your answer depends on what you value. The A3 does better on fuel economy & range, and the CT4 does better on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CT4 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range A3 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.7
- Engine & Performance5.0
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
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 CT4 has 36 hp more power
Here the CT4 pulls well ahead of the A3, with 237 hp compared to 201 hp. The CT4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The CT4 has 37 lb-ft more torque
The CT4 doesn’t just edge this one; 258 lb-ft against 221 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. The CT4’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The A3 has better fuel economy
The A3 nudges ahead with 28 mpg, while the CT4 lists 26 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The A3 has better city fuel economy
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the A3 leads with 24 mpg to 22 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the A3 starts from a better baseline.
-
The A3 has better highway fuel economy
Only a little separates them: 34 mpg on the A3, 32 mpg on the CT4. The A3 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Engine & Performance
CT4 leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The CT4 leads where it counts. Point to the CT4 for 36 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the CT4 is the stronger car.
Total system output
A3: 201 hp CT4: 237 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
A3: 221 lb-ft CT4: 258 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
A3 leads
No contest in fuel economy & range: the A3 is the stronger of the two. Choose the A3 and you get better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Net result: the A3 leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
A3: 28 mpg CT4: 26 mpg The A3 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
A3: 24 mpg CT4: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The A3 and the CT4 match each other closely in this area. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the A3’s and the CT4’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 237 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg (winner) | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Price
| Spec | A3 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $34,995 |
“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 A3 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (28 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 32 mpg on the highway)
Choose the CT4 if…
- you want more power (237 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (258 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Cadillac and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A3 or the CT4?
There’s no single right answer. The A3 leads on fuel economy & range and the CT4 on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
Audi or Cadillac? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the A3 versus the CT4. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the A3 has better fuel economy. Plus, the A3 gets better highway fuel economy, which I wouldn’t overlook. The CT4 has a trump card of its own in 36 hp more power.
The A3 is built for people who weigh fuel economy & range heavily, and the CT4 for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: it depends. Go for the A3 if fuel economy & range comes first for you, or the CT4 if engine & performance does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.