2004 Audi A3 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 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 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 300 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 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 2005 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (320 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 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 M3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
