A3 vs G70
Two makers, one class, one decision: the A3 from Audi or the G70 from Genesis. Both have a headline advantage (fuel economy & range for the A3, engine & performance for the G70), so the right choice depends on how you’ll use it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance G70 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range A3 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.7
- Engine & Performance8.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.6
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 G70 has 99 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 300 hp for the G70 versus 201 hp for the A3. The G70’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The A3 has better fuel economy
The G70 lists 24 mpg; the A3 comes in at 28 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. The A3 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The G70 has 90 lb-ft more torque
At 311 lb-ft versus 221 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the G70, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The G70’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The A3 has better highway fuel economy
If fuel economy (highway) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the A3 leads clearly with 34 mpg to the G70’s 29 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The A3 has better city fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The A3’s 24 mpg beats the G70’s 21 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the A3 starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A3 | G70 |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 111.6 in |
Engine & Performance
G70 leads
No contest in engine & performance: the G70 is the stronger of the two. The G70 wins here with 99 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The engine & performance verdict goes to the G70.
Total system output
A3: 201 hp G70: 300 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
A3: 221 lb-ft G70: 311 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
A3 leads
On fuel economy & range, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the A3. On its side, the A3 has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the A3.
Fuel economy (combined)
A3: 28 mpg G70: 24 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
A3: 34 mpg G70: 29 mpg The A3 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A3 | G70 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 300 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A3 | G70 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg (winner) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A3 | G70 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.5 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A3 | G70 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A3 | G70 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A3 | G70 |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 111.6 in |
“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 drive a lot and want lower running costs (28 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 21 mpg)
Choose the G70 if…
- you want more power (300 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (311 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Genesis’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A3 or the G70?
Neither wins outright. Choose the A3 if fuel economy & range matters most, or the G70 if engine & performance does.
Executive Summary
The A3 and the G70 are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. Honestly, better fuel economy on the A3 does a lot of the persuading for me. The A3 also scores with better city fuel economy. Where the G70 fights back is 99 hp more power.
For fuel economy & range, the A3 fits better. For engine & performance, the G70 is the better match.
My pick: decide whether you’d miss fuel economy & range or engine & performance more, then buy the A3 or the G70 accordingly.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.