2009 BMW 550 vs. 2008 Audi A3
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 210 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 550 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 550. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2008 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 550 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1968 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
