BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 2 HP more power than Audi A4, but torque is 30 NM less than Audi A4. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.2 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
8.9
10.7
Real fuel consumption:
10.1 l/100km
11.4 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.8 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 270 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 1.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Audi A4.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
700 km in combined cycle
580 km in combined cycle
950 km on highway
790 km on highway
620 km with real consumption
550 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
Audi A4 2004: The vehicle features full-time Quattro IV all-wheel drive with Torsen center differential and electronic traction control that operates at speeds up to 40 km/h and applies brakes to spinning wheels, with the effect of locking the front and rear differential.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
380'000 km
360'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
7 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 8 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW 1 sērija
Used also on Audi A6
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.
BMW 3 sērija 2005 3.0 engine: The BMW N52 engine was the first water-cooled engine to feature a composite cylinder block made from a magnesium and aluminum alloy. It was included in Ward’s AutoWorld’s list of the top 10 engines in 2006 and 2007. While it offers many advantages, the ... More about BMW 3 sērija 2005 3.0 engine
Audi A4 2004 3.1 engine: The engine is prone to piston ring sticking and oil consumption, often requiring replacement of the pistons with forged ones. Frequent oil changes can help mitigate this issue, as can occasional high-speed ... More about Audi A4 2004 3.1 engine
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 slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so Audi A4 quality could be a bit better.