1998 BMW 325 vs. 2005 Audi A3
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 1 kg more than 2005 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 325 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 1998 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 2005 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2005 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 325 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
