Compare the2019 Chevrolet CamaroVS 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet

The Camaro has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Camaro and the A3 Cabriolet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Chevrolet’s powertrain warranty covers the Camaro 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A3 Cabriolet. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the A3 Cabriolet ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 10 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Camaro’s warranty.

The battery on the Camaro is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Camaro’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The A3 Cabriolet’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 23 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 25th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in reliability, above the industry average. With 17 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 13th.

The Camaro has more powerful engines than the A3 Cabriolet:

An engine control system that can shut down half of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Camaro V6/V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Camaro uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. engine for maximum performance). The A3 Cabriolet with the 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. engine requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Camaro has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Cabriolet FWD’s standard fuel tank (19 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Camaro has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Cabriolet Quattro’s standard fuel tank (19 vs. 14.5 gallons).

The Camaro has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Chevrolet Camaro, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A3 Cabriolet.

The Camaro’s optional launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Camaro’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A3 Cabriolet:

The Camaro SS’ standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the A3 Cabriolet are solid, not vented.

The Camaro stops much shorter than the A3 Cabriolet:

For better traction, the Camaro has larger standard tires than the A3 Cabriolet (245/50R18 vs. 225/45R17). The Camaro ZL1 1LE Coupe’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A3 Cabriolet (F:305/30R19 & R:325/30R19 vs. 235/35R19).

The Camaro SS 1LE/ZL1’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A3 Cabriolet’s optional 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Camaro has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the A3 Cabriolet. The Camaro’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the A3 Cabriolet.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Camaro can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Camaro offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A3 Cabriolet’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Camaro’s wheelbase is 8.5 inches longer than on the A3 Cabriolet (110.7 inches vs. 102.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Camaro is 2 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the A3 Cabriolet.

The Camaro SS Convertible handles at .96 G’s, while the A3 Cabriolet pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Camaro Convertible has 6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A3 Cabriolet (85 vs. 79).

The engine in the Camaro is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the A3 Cabriolet. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Camaro has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

The Camaro Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When two different drivers share the Camaro, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Camaro’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Camaro’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The A3 Cabriolet does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Camaro offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Keyless Access standard on the Camaro allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Audi A3 Cabriolet’s available Audi Advanced Key doesn’t unlock the trunk.

When the Camaro with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The A3 Cabriolet’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Camaro keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in summer. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Camaro’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Insurance will cost less for the Camaro owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Camaro with a number “1” insurance rate while the A3 Cabriolet is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Camaro is less expensive to operate than the A3 Cabriolet because it costs $126 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Camaro than the A3 Cabriolet, including $120 less for a water pump, $219 less for a starter, $186 less for front struts and $358 less for a power steering pump.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Camaro second among midsize sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The A3 Cabriolet isn’t in the top three.

The Camaro was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 3 years. The A3 Cabriolet has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

Motor Trend selected the Camaro as their 2016 Car of the Year. The A3 Cabriolet has never been chosen.

The Camaro was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2013. The A3 Cabriolet has never been an “All Star.”

The Camaro was selected by Automobile Magazine as their 2010 Car of the Year. The A3 Cabriolet has never been chosen.

The Chevrolet Camaro outsold the Audi A3/S3 by almost three to one during 2017.