2006 Audi A3 vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series is newer by 6 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), 2012 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2012 BMW 1 Series.
Because 2012 BMW 1 Series 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 2012 BMW 1 Series. 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, 2012 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1981 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
