2005 Audi A3 vs. 2004 BMW 730
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 730 (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 730 weights approximately 455 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 2004 BMW 730 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 2004 BMW 730. 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, 2004 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3. 2004 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 2005 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2005 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 2004 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
