1988 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Audi A4
To start off, 2007 Audi A4 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi A4 (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A4 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi A4 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 Audi A4 (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2007 Audi A4 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Audi A4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2007 Audi A4 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | M3 | A4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
