2003 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Audi A5
To start off, 2012 Audi A5 is newer by 9 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2012 Audi A5. (211 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A5 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A5, 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A5. (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2012 Audi A5 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | M3 | A5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
