2006 Audi A3 vs. 2007 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 525 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2006 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 525 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 2007 BMW 525. 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, 2007 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2007 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
