2003 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Audi A3
To start off, 2013 Audi A3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Audi A3 (197 HP) has 30 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2013 Audi A3.
Because 2013 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Audi A3 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 Audi A3 (281 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2013 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 520 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4292 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.7 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
