2006 Audi A3 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 2 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 200 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 2008 BMW 530 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 2008 BMW 530. 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, 2008 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
