BMW 3 series 2001 vs Audi A3 2000
| Gearbox: | Manual | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.8 Petrol | 1.6 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| 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: | 116 HP | 102 HP | |
| Torque: | 175 NM | 148 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11 seconds | 12.7 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 14 HP more power than Audi A3, whereas torque is 27 NM more than Audi A3. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.7 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.9 | 8.0 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.2 l/100km | 8.9 l/100km | |
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The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Audi A3, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 165 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.7 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Audi A3. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 910 km in combined cycle | 680 km in combined cycle | |
| 1180 km on highway | 880 km on highway | ||
| 760 km with real consumption | 610 km with real consumption | ||
| BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Audi A3) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (BMW 3 series) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 460'000 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 A3 engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 2 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Used also on Volkswagen Golf | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.26 m | 4.15 m | |
| Width: | 1.75 m | 1.74 m | |
| Height: | 1.41 m | 1.43 m | |
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BMW 3 series is larger, but slightly lower. BMW 3 series is 11 cm longer than the Audi A3, 1 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 2 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 310 litres | 350 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
1100 litres | 1110 litres | |
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Audi A3 has more luggage space. Despite its longer length, BMW 3 series has 40 litres less trunk space than the Audi A3. This could mean that the BMW 3 series uses more space in the cabin, so the driver and passengers could be more spacious and comfortable. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Audi A3 (by 10 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 10.9 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.9 metres less than that of the Audi A3, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`800 | 1`695 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | below average | average | |
| Audi A3 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 A3 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 2600 | 1400 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Audi A3 has
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