1996 Audi A3 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, both 1996 Audi A3 and 1996 BMW 540 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 675 kg more than 1996 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
