2009 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Audi A3
To start off, 2011 Audi A3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2011 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2011 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2011 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | M3 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
