2006 Audi S3 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 Audi S3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi S3 (222 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2006 Audi S3.
Because 2006 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi S3 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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi S3. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi S3 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1660 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
