BMW 3 series 2003 vs Audi A3 2004

 
BMW 3 series
2003 - 2005
Audi A3
2004 - 2008
Gearbox: ManualManual
Engine: 2.0 Diesel2.0 Diesel
Camshaft drive: Timing chainTiming 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: 115 HP140 HP
Torque: 280 NM320 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 10 seconds9.7 seconds
Audi A3 is a more dynamic driving.
BMW 3 series engine produces 25 HP less power than Audi A3, whereas torque is 40 NM less than Audi A3. Due to the lower power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.3 seconds later.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption (l/100km): 5.65.5
Real fuel consumption: 6.1 l/100km6.0 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Audi A3, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 15 litres more fuel.
By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Audi A3.
Fuel tank capacity: 63 litres55 litres
Full fuel tank distance: 1120 km in combined cycle1000 km in combined cycle
1400 km on highway1190 km on highway
1030 km with real consumption910 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: 420'000 km420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration: 9 years5 years
Engine spread: Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Audi A6, Audi A4
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: 4.26 m4.29 m
Width: 1.75 m1.76 m
Height: 1.41 m1.42 m
Both cars are similar in size. BMW 3 series is 3 cm shorter than the Audi A3, 1 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm lower.
Trunk capacity: 310 litres370 litres
Trunk max capacity:
with rear seats folded down
1100 litres1120 litres
Audi A3 has more luggage space.
BMW 3 series has 60 litres less trunk space than the Audi A3. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Audi A3 (by 20 litres).
Turning diameter: 10 meters10.7 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.7 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`8951`940
Safety: no data
Quality:
low

above average
Audi A3 has fewer problems.
According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 30 percent more cases than Audi A3, so Audi A3 quality is probably significantly better
Average price (€): 24003200
Pros and Cons: BMW 3 sērija has
  • timing chain engine
  • more full fuel tank mileage
  • better manoeuvrability
  • lower price
Audi A3 has
  • timing belt engine
  • more power
  • roomier boot
  • fewer faults
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