2004 Audi A3 vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 5 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 2004 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.9 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
