A3 vs CLA
Audi versus Mercedes-Benz: the A3 and the CLA go after the same compact luxury car buyer. By our tally, the CLA leads 2 of 4 areas. The engine & performance section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the A3.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CLA wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CLA wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.7
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Fuel Economy & Range8.4
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 CLA has 37 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the CLA wins comfortably with 258 lb-ft against 221 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The CLA has 20 hp more power
Slight advantage to the CLA: 221 hp compared with 201 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The CLA has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the CLA edges out the A3, 30 mpg to 28 mpg. The CLA uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The CLA has better city fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 26 mpg against 24 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the CLA. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CLA starts from a better baseline.
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The CLA has better highway fuel economy
The CLA nudges ahead with 36 mpg, while the A3 lists 34 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
CLA leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the CLA. The CLA has the edge with 37 lb-ft more torque. The CLA’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. If engine & performance is your priority, the CLA is the car to pick.
Torque
A3: 221 lb-ft CLA: 258 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
A3: 201 hp CLA: 221 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
CLA leads
Here the CLA opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The CLA makes its case with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the CLA is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
A3: 28 mpg CLA: 30 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
A3: 24 mpg CLA: 26 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CLA has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
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 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 221 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A3 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 36 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A3 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A3 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A3 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 CLA if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (258 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (221 hp vs 201 hp)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 24 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A3 or the CLA?
On the specs compared here, the CLA makes more sense for most buyers; the A3 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Audi or Mercedes-Benz. I only care that you end up with the right one of the A3 and the CLA. What tips it for me is that the CLA has 37 lb-ft more torque. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the CLA has better fuel economy.
The A3 makes sense for anyone who values the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the CLA for anyone who values engine & performance.
My pick: the CLA.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.