Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating.
Performance
Power:
177 HP
140 HP
Torque:
350 NM
320 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
8.1 seconds
9.9 seconds
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 37 HP more power than Audi A4, whereas torque is 30 NM more than Audi A4. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.8 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
4.9
5.8
Real fuel consumption:
6.0 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Audi A4, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 135 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Audi A4.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1240 km in combined cycle
1200 km in combined cycle
1450 km on highway
1520 km on highway
1010 km with real consumption
1020 km with real consumption
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Audi A4 engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
17 years
5 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X1
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Audi A6, Audi A3
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 series might be a better choice in this respect.
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.59 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.77 m
Height:
1.44 m
1.43 m
BMW 3 series is 7 cm shorter than the Audi A4, 5 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
442 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
no data
Even though the car is shorter, BMW 3 series has 18 litres more trunk space than the Audi A4. The Audi A4 may have more interior space, so the cabin could be more spacious and more comfortable for the driver and passengers.
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11.1 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.1 metres less than that of the Audi A4.
Audi A4 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 20 percent more cases than Audi A4, so Audi A4 quality is probably better
