2008 Audi A3 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 330 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 2009 BMW 530 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 2009 BMW 530. 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, 2009 BMW 530 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1981 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
