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:
184 HP
155 HP
Torque:
390 NM
310 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
8.2 seconds
9.4 seconds
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 29 HP more power than Audi A4, whereas torque is 80 NM more than Audi A4. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
8.0
6.8
The Audi A4 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1.2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Audi A4, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 180 litres more fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
66 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
780 km in combined cycle
970 km in combined cycle
1010 km on highway
1200 km on highway
Audi A4 gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
560'000 km
370'000 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 BMW 3 series engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
12 years
2 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Audi A6, Skoda Superb
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:
4.47 m
4.55 m
Width:
1.74 m
1.77 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.43 m
Both cars are similar in size. BMW 3 series is 8 cm shorter than the Audi A4, 3 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
440 litres
445 litres
BMW 3 series has 5 litres less trunk space than the Audi A4.
Turning diameter:
10 meters
11.1 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1.1 metres less than that of the Audi A4, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
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
