2009 Audi A3 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, both 2009 Audi A3 and 2009 BMW 520 were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 283 kg more than 2009 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
