2006 Audi A3 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
