2001 Audi A3 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2001 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2001 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A3 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
