1996 Audi A3 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Audi A3. (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 650 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 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A3. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 67 L |
