2007 Audi A3 vs. 2006 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 2007 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 363 kg more than 2007 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 550 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 2006 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 2006 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 5.5 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 | 1362 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
