2009 Audi A3 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 470 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 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2009 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2009 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
