Compare the2022 Cadillac CT4VS 2022 Audi A3

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the CT4 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The A3 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The CT4 has standard Automatic Emergency Braking, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The A3 has a collision warning system without the crash-mitigating brake feature that could reduce stopping distances.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CT4 Premium Luxury/Sport has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The A3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The CT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional HD Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The A3 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CT4 has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Cross-path warning costs extra on the A3.

Both the CT4 and the A3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, collision warning systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the CT4 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the A3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 3 times as many Cadillac dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CT4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac 22nd in initial quality. With 67 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac fifth in reliability, above the industry average. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

The CT4’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 34 more horsepower (235 vs. 201) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The CT4’s optional 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 109 more horsepower (310 vs. 201) and 129 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 221) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CT4’s fuel efficiency. The A3 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the CT4 and the A3 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All CT4s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The CT4 has 3.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (17 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The CT4 has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Quattro’s standard fuel tank (17 vs. 14.5 gallons).

The CT4 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 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac CT4, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A3.

For better traction, the CT4 Premium Luxury’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the A3 (235/40R18 vs. 225/45R17).

The CT4’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A3’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CT4 offers optional 19-inch wheels. The A3’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The CT4 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The A3 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the CT4 can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The A3 doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The front grille of the CT4 Premium Luxury uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The A3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the CT4 a Compact car, while the A3 is rated a Subcompact.

The CT4 has 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A3 (90 vs. 87).

The engine in the CT4 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the A3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 21% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

The CT4 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 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the CT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The A3 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

On extremely cold winter days, the CT4’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The A3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac CT4 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the A3.