2004 Audi A3 vs. 2006 BMW 330
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 2 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 485 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 2006 BMW 330 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 2006 BMW 330. 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, 2006 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2006 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 63 L |
