Audi vs BMW; A4 Saloon vs 3 Series Sedan

BMW and Audi, both hold a superb fantasy among class lover people. Both these brands are constantly working hard to give more then what people expect from a car. These companies are the creators of masterpieces in the automobiles industry and both launch the cars in almost the same concept. The engines from BMW are known for their performance and reliability, whereas after the introduction of Audi Quattro engines, people have gone close to Audi as well. No doubt, Audi is an out performer when it comes to all-wheel drive systems.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan and Audi A4 Saloon compliment each other in many ways. Both are feature-packed creations from these huge car makers. Let’s get to know them starting with the first:

Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series Engines

Talking about the Audi, the engine is available in a variety of options in both petrol and diesel. The petrol engine can be opted as 1.8L (120ps), 1.8L (160ps), 2.0L (211ps), 2.0L Quattro (211ps), 3.2L V6 (265ps) and a 3.2L  Quattro V6 (265ps) whereas the diesel engine is available in 2.0L (120ps), 2.0L (136ps), 2.0L (143ps), 2.0L (170ps), 2.0L Quattro (170ps), 2.7L V6 (190ps) and a 3.0L Quattro V6 (240ps). The petrol versions are quicker and the most powerful 3.2L can go 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds whereas the 3.0L diesel engine goes the same for 6.3 seconds. Quattro is an all-wheel drive technology by Audi that intelligently distributes the power to individual wheels according to the road conditions. This technology has boosted the presence of Audi in the automobiles market and is above its rivals in this aspect.

The BMW 3 series sedan comes in more options, and a bit more power even in the lower versions. The petrol engine varies from 1.6L (122ps), 2.0L (143ps), 2.0L (170ps), 3.0L (218ps), 3.0L xDrive (218ps), 3.0L (272ps), 3.0L xDrive (272ps), 3.0L (306ps) and a 3.0L xDrive (306ps) whereas the diesel unit is available in 2.0L (115ps), 2.0L (143ps), 2.0L (184ps), 2.0L xDrive (184ps), 2.0L Efficient Dynamics (163ps), 3.0L (204ps), 3.0L (245ps), 3.0L xDrive(245ps) and a 3.0L(286ps) option. The xDrive technology is the all-wheel drive system produced by BMW in order to compete and make the BMW more intelligent for the BMW lovers.

The Efficient Dynamics version of BMW 3 Series hosts a few systems which make the car more fuel efficient and powerful along with lesser emissions. In an Efficient Dynamics Version, the engine automatically shuts down when the vehicle is stationed at the neutral position. It starts again as soon as the clutch is pressed. Optimum shift indicator tells the driver to shift the gears up or down to drive the car more efficiently. This system is also available as a standard in Audi. BMW electric steering uses the power only during actual steering, at constant position its motor automatically switches off to save power and fuel. The tires of this version are made of special materials that reduce deformation while driving allowing lesser load on engine.

Audi is a pleasure to drive when opted with Quattro system. This system makes the Audi more superior than any other car of same category. The response is very sporty and supporting in bad weather conditions.

The lower powered engines from BMW are fairly powered but if your finance allows for a twin-turbo 335d (286bhp) engine, you will get the best of this class. 62 mph in just 6 seconds, top speed, 155mph and the fuel consumption is 42mpg approximately.

Audi on a lower end gives pleasure in riding 2.0L versions, while the higher 3.2L V6 engine is damn fast and you will love to play with it.

BMWs are thirstier then Audis and the main reason for this is BMWs take out more power from even the smaller engines. Audis are also no less in churning out great power, but they are still more fuel efficient. Their technology is fresh and is constantly being refined for getting on top.

Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series Interiors

BMW Interior

The newer Audis have a lot of change in interiors. The materials used in are of a very superior quality and won’t let you down in any corner of the car. The controls around the gear stick are a bit complicated and messy and it gives a touch of a cockpit of a plane. But don’t worry about them; they are all the required things that make an Audi more on features. There are plenty of choices in choosing the color and fabrics for the interior. There rear legroom and headroom are adequate for comfortable sitting, and the boot space is 480lt, which is practically feasible. The sitting is adequate for 5 people. The optional wooden trim can be opted in ash or dark walnut colors which give the interior an excellent touch. The rear cargo space is spaced very well and is the largest among the upscale cars. The interior is given a bit modern touch to stay with time.

The BMW is already a name given for a class of luxury and comfort. The built quality is excellent and durable. The room is quite lesser then Audi, but still you won’t feel bothered about it. BMW 3 Series comes with an iDrive system that controls most of the car’s interior electronics with a single dial present near the gear stick. Few people find it complicated but many people say, it’s good to learn something new. You would need a bit of brain to use it.

Audi Interior

The standard seats with manual adjustments are even very comfortable, and the seats with power adjustments come with three automatic preset positions. The rear seats are a bit small and provide lesser headroom and legroom for tall passengers. The sitting in BMW 3 Series Sedan is comfortable for 4 people. It doesn’t offer a good cargo space as the Audi does and is very less even when compared to others. Interiors focus on the classic look rather than being extremely modern like that of Audi.

Audi A4 vs BMW Exterior

Audi A4 Saloon

Exterior of a car is what is going to make an impression to the outer world. Audi A4 Saloon in the redesigned launch of 2010 is an evolution for a very fresh look with daytime running headlights, bold grill and decent styling all over. Apart from the front side, the rear portion can also be noticed from far away.

In the exterior context, the BMW is following the old trend. It has been updated a bit, but still, lacks a bit of sporty looks. We can distinguish both cars titling the Audi as ‘Decently Sporty’ and BMW as ‘Decently Classy’.

BMW Rear

Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the A4 Saloon is can be stated as one of the safest car. Its six airbags all over ensure a good measure of safety. Additionally, it comes with a safety kit and a stability control feature as a standard in all models. There are also optional side and rear airbags as well as warning systems for blind spots and lane departures.

BMW also comes as standard with front and rear airbags, stability control program, 4 wheel ABS, traction control, hill descent control and few crash sensors that activate the cabin lights, unlock the gates and put on the hazard lights in case of accidents.

Pricing

BMW is going to cost more than what you are planning to spend, while buying an Audi is going to save you a few bucks for your wife or girlfriend for shopping. BMW is an old label that has gained a good reputation and value in the market, that’s why it costs a bit more. The Audi is still striving to beat its rivals and that’s why they’ve priced their A4 more competitively, and you get more for less here.

BMW trims start from $32,850 and can empty your pockets up to $66,500 (on road price) whereas Audi trims begin at $31,450 and end at $47,300 for the high end version.

Audi A4 Saloon Advanced Controls

BMW 3 Series iDrive

Overall

Audis are trying a lot to come over to its rivals and have changed a lot in the last few years. Few years back, the BMW was a single name that was meant for high class cars. The time now is changed now, there are more labels like Audi, Nissan and Mercedes that are now giving a lot at lesser price and more features than a BMW. Audi has transformed a lot in the last year and the A4 Saloon is a great option if you value your money. Still the BMW holds its class in few things that leave that car distinct. My personal choice would be an Audi A4 Saloon 3.2L V6 Quattro, which is really fast and holds a lot of features to play with. And with the rest of the saved money, I would buy a Toyota Fortuner to own a SUV along with. Isn’t it a good idea!!!