2005 Audi A3 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2005 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (149 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
