2005 Audi A4 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Audi A4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Audi A4 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 2005 Audi A4. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2005 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A4 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A4. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A4 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 63 L |
