1998 Audi A3 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Audi A3. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1998 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1998 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 318 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 2008 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi A3 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
