2003 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Audi R8

To start off, 2007 Audi R8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi R8 (414 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi R8 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2007 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi R8 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, 2007 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2007 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2007 Audi R8 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Audi R8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 BMW M3 2007 Audi R8
Make BMW Audi
Model M3 R8
Year Released 2003 2007
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 3168 cc 4163 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 342 HP 414 HP
Engine RPM 7900 RPM 7800 RPM
Torque 350 Nm 430 Nm
Torque RPM 4900 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87 mm 84.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 91 mm 92.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.5:1 12.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Top Speed 259 km/hour 301 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 4.9 seconds 4.6 seconds
Drive Type Rear AWD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1385 kg 1565 kg
Vehicle Length 4500 mm 4590 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1910 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1260 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2660 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.4 L/100km 13.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 75 L