2008 Audi A3 vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Audi A3.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. 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 (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
