2003 Audi A8 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 A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 would be higher. At 2,974 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (216 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A8 weights approximately 39 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Audi A8. 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 (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2974 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.2 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
