Audi A3 8V vs Peugeot 308 P51

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

The third-generation A3 (8V), on the MQB platform.

Peugeot 308

P51 · 2021 – 2026

The third-generation 308 (P51), with i-Cockpit, hybrids and the all-electric e-308.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the 8V for the proven 1.5 TFSI and optional quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with the newer MMI.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the P51 for the most modern 308 with the widest powertrain range, from efficient hybrids to the electric e-308.

Best engine: The chain-driven 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or 1.5 BlueHDi — or the e-308 for the city.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Power	150 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,2 s Winner	9,4 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t Winner	104,8 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km Winner	118 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L	412 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,31 m	4,37 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	—
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Platform	MQB (transverse)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · Hybrid PHEV · e-308 (EV)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · EAT8
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

DQ200 DSG service (1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI)
Timing-chain tensioner on early EA888 1.8/2.0
Water pump/Haldex (quattro) needs checking

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet belt on early cars
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

Audi A3

Optional quattro drive
1.5 TFSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TDI (150 hp) are the proven picks
Interior materials that wear well

Peugeot 308

Modern design and i-Cockpit with a big screen
Widest powertrain range: from diesel to electric
All-electric e-308 (~400+ km WLTP)

Cons

Audi A3

S line suspension rides firmly
Pre-facelift cars lack Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech (early cars) carries the wet belt
Boot smaller than class leaders

Driving experience

Audi A3

Quiet, precise and easy to drive quickly. The A3 steers accurately with a light, consistent weighting, rides well on its standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. Front-drive versions are neat and predictable; quattro adds strong traction out of corners and on poor surfaces, particularly on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is the pick — smooth, economical and quick enough; the 2.0 TFSI adds real pace; the 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage choice. The S tronic is sharp; the manual is light and precise. Body control is good, though the A3 is tuned more for comfort than for entertainment.

Peugeot 308

The P51 leans on the same EMP2 bones as the old 308 but wears a sharper suit. It stays light and low, so the front axle turns in keenly and the car flows through corners without fuss, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are even more pronounced here and take a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering feels quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that shrugs off broken tarmac, though big wheels firm things up. The 1.2 PureTech 130 is eager, the e-308 is near-silent and instant, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, easy compact, not a hot hatch.