2005 Audi A3 vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 435 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 2006 BMW 530 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 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 530 (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 2006 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
