Audi A3 8V vs Peugeot 308 T7

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

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

Peugeot 308

T7 · 2007 – 2013

The first-generation 308 (T7), on the PF2 platform.

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 T7 for an affordable, comfortable early 308 with a roomy SW — ideally a well-kept 2.0 HDi.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol), preferably post-2011 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.6 VTi 120 · Petrol

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Power	150 hp Winner	120 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,2 s Winner	10,4 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	190 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t Winner	88,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km Winner	149 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km Winner	6,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L Winner	348 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L Winner	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m Winner	2,61 m
Length	4,31 m	4,28 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	—
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Platform	MQB (transverse)	PF2
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	1.4/1.6 VTi · 1.6 THP petrol · 1.6/2.0 HDi diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
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

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
Early electrical gremlins and suspension wear

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

Comfortable with a long wheelbase
Roomy SW estate version
Plentiful and affordable used

Cons

Audi A3

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

Peugeot 308

AL4 automatic can shift jerkily
1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk

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 T7 is the 308 that swapped the 307's softness for a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF2 platform, it stays reasonably light, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the car tracks calmly through corners, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 VTi is adequate, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the manual shifts cleanly — though the old 4-speed AL4 automatic can feel jerky. It is a comfortable, easy hatchback, not a sporty one.