The Audi A3 8L (1996-2000) was offered with 13 distinct engine configurations across its trim range.
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Drive | Top speed | 0-100 km/h | Consumption | Available on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L Petrol | 180 hp | 235 Nm | Manual | All Wheel Drive | 226 km/h | 7.5 s | 8.9 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.8L Petrol | 180 hp | 235 Nm | Manual | Front Wheel Drive | 228 km/h | 7.5 s | 7.8 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.8L Petrol | 150 hp | 210 Nm | Manual | All Wheel Drive | 215 km/h | 8.2 s | 8.9 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.8L Petrol | 150 hp | 210 Nm | Automatic | Front Wheel Drive | 214 km/h | 9.2 s | 8.9 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.8L Petrol | 150 hp | 210 Nm | Manual | Front Wheel Drive | 217 km/h | 8.2 s | 7.8 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.8L Petrol | 125 hp | 173 Nm | Automatic | Front Wheel Drive | 197 km/h | 11.2 s | 8.9 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.8L Petrol | 125 hp | 173 Nm | Manual | Front Wheel Drive | 202 km/h | 9.6 s | 8.3 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.9L Diesel | 110 hp | 235 Nm | Automatic | Front Wheel Drive | 191 km/h | 11.7 s | 6.2 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.9L Diesel | 110 hp | 235 Nm | Manual | Front Wheel Drive | 194 km/h | 10.5 s | 4.9 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.6L Petrol | 101 hp | 145 Nm | Automatic | Front Wheel Drive | 183 km/h | 12.8 s | 8.6 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.6L Petrol | 101 hp | 145 Nm | Manual | Front Wheel Drive | 188 km/h | 11.0 s | 7.6 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.9L Diesel | 90 hp | 202 Nm | Automatic | Front Wheel Drive | 177 km/h | 13.7 s | 6.2 l/100km | 3 trims |
| 1.9L Diesel | 90 hp | 202 Nm | Manual | Front Wheel Drive | 181 km/h | 12.4 s | 4.9 l/100km | 3 trims |
Each row is a distinct mechanical configuration — engine size, power output, transmission, drivetrain and fuel type — deduplicated across equipment trims that share the same engine. Trim-only differences (interior, wheels, options) do not create a separate row.