2004 Audi A3 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (225 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 555 kg more than 2004 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 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, 2005 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
