2003 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi R8 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 5,200 cc (10 cylinders), 2012 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi R8 (525 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2012 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, 2012 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, 2012 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2012 Audi R8 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | M3 | R8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 525 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
