2005 Audi A8 vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Audi A8 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2005 Audi A8. (276 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A8 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
Because 2005 Audi A8 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, 2005 Audi A8 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, 2005 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2005 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A8 | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
