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 seconds
9.8 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):
5.4
5.8
Real fuel consumption:
6.7 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.4 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 60 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.6 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Audi A4.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1120 km in combined cycle
1200 km in combined cycle
1380 km on highway
1480 km on highway
910 km with real consumption
950 km with real consumption
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:
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:
1.42 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 lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
460 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
720 litres
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.
