2012 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 4 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (247 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 525.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW 525 | 2008 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 525 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4907 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1462 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2968 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
