2006 Audi A3 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 365 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 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
