2008 Audi A3 vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 3 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X3 (311 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 645 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 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 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, 2011 BMW X3 (630 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
