2009 Audi A3 vs. 1998 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 760 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Because 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 330. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3. 2009 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1998 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
