It’s Wednesday and that means another instalment of Car Wars! Let’s get out of that midweek slump by putting two rivals head-to-head in a battle of automotive prowess. In today’s Car War, it’s a battle of luxury – and it’s BMW 3 Series vs. Audi A4.
So who wins? Is it the classic BMW, or has Audi finally beaten BMW at its own game? Find out in today’s Car Wars Wednesday: BMW 3 Series VS Audi A4.
Original image by Richard Andrianto
Design
When it comes to that all-important first glance, we have to give this to BMW. The BMW looks bold, classic and corporate, positively emanating luxury. The Audi A4 is by no means a bad looking car – far from it in fact. It’s certainly a lot sleeker than the BMW, and is the contemporary to BMW’s classic. But if you park the two next to each other, the Audi A4 looks positively drab next to the brash BMW 3 Series. Review the inside and you’ll find much of the same. You’ll have to spend quite a bit on kit for the Audi A4 to measure up to the BMW’s interior. Points go to BMW.
Features
It’s the luxury segment, so you can expect quite a bit of technology. Both cars’ entry level options include 17’’ wheels, cruise control, climate control and rear parking sensors. But if you’re willing to fork out some cash on options, you’ll notice that the kit list for the Audi A4 runs out quite a bit faster than that of the BMW 3 Series.
Performance
In terms of fuel economy, the entry level engine for the BMW returns 44.80mpg, followed very closely by the A4’s 43.50mpg. In top speed, the cars are pretty similar – but the BMW manages to take a full second off the Audi A4’s 10.5 second 0-62mph time. Both cars get plenty of engine options, but in the end we have to give this one to BMW – although there’s not much in it.
Handling
In terms of ride and handling, however, the clear winner is BMW. The BMW 3 Series is smooth, fluid and calculated, exactly the way you’d expect a luxury BMW to handle. Audi A4 reviews have been less positive, however. The stiff handling, rigid steering (made worse when fitted with the 17’’ wheels) and heavy steering systems mean this luxury Audi is no match for the BMW. Points again go to BMW.
Price
Entry level prices for the two cars are pretty much neck and neck. Prices for the Audi A4 start at £23,860, while you’ll need a marginally lower £23,085 for the 3 Series. That’s right – the BMW actually costs less than the Audi A4. Of course, it depends on the level of kit you’re looking for – but BMW takes the points once again when it comes to the entry level offering.
Original image by Ray T
The verdict: We were really rooting for underdog Audi A4 today – but in the end, the battle between BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4 has a clear winner. The BMW 3 Series is superior across the board, leaving the A4 in its dust.
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