1996 Audi A3 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, both 1996 Audi A3 and 1996 BMW M3 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 448 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 M3 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 M3. 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 M3 (305 Nm) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (173 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 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 M3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2730 mm |
