2008 Audi A3 vs. 2005 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2008 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 520 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 2005 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2005 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
