2006 Audi A3 vs. 2012 BMW 528
To start off, 2012 BMW 528 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 528 (240 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 528 weights approximately 260 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 2006 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 528. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3 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, 2012 BMW 528 (352 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3. 2012 BMW 528 has automatic transmission and 2006 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2006 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 528 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2012 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
