2003 Audi A3 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2003 Audi A3. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 400 kg more than 2003 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A3. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
