Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors.
Performance
Power:
102 HP
116 HP
Torque:
148 NM
175 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
12.9 seconds
11 seconds
BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. Audi A4 engine produces 14 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 27 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, Audi A4 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.9 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.7
7.1
Real fuel consumption:
7.9 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
By specification Audi A4 consumes 0.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Audi A4 could require 90 litres more fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, Audi A4 consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
900 km in combined cycle
880 km in combined cycle
1160 km on highway
1140 km on highway
880 km with real consumption
770 km with real consumption
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
460'000 km
350'000 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:
10 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Audi A3, Seat Exeo
Used only for this car
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Audi A4 might be a better choice in this respect.
Dimensions
Length:
4.55 m
4.47 m
Width:
1.77 m
1.74 m
Height:
1.43 m
1.42 m
Both cars are similar in size. Audi A4 is 8 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 3 cm wider, while the height of Audi A4 is 1 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
445 litres
440 litres
Audi A4 has 5 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series.
Turning diameter:
11.1 meters
10 meters
The turning circle of the Audi A4 is 1.1 metres more than that of the BMW 3 series, which means Audi A4 can be harder 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 30 percent more cases than Audi A4, so Audi A4 quality is probably significantly better
