A3 vs 3 Series
In the compact luxury car class, the A3 and the 3 Series are natural rivals. The numbers lean one way: the 3 Series comes out ahead in 2 of the 4 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 3 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 3 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.7
- Engine & Performance6.7
- Fuel Economy & Range9.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 3 Series has 54 hp more power
The A3 gives up a lot on total system output: 201 hp, compared with 255 hp on the 3 Series. The 3 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The 3 Series has 74 lb-ft more torque
Few buyers will miss this one. The 3 Series brings 295 lb-ft to the table; the A3 brings 221 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 3 Series has better fuel economy
The 3 Series has a modest edge on fuel economy (combined): 31 mpg against 28 mpg for the A3. The 3 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The 3 Series has better city fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy (city), the 3 Series wins comfortably with 28 mpg against 24 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
3 Series leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the 3 Series is comfortably ahead. Here the 3 Series offers 54 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the 3 Series has the edge.
Total system output
A3: 201 hp 3 Series: 255 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A3: 221 lb-ft 3 Series: 295 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
3 Series leads
No contest in fuel economy & range: the 3 Series is the stronger of the two. On its side, the 3 Series has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Net result: the 3 Series leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
A3: 28 mpg 3 Series: 31 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
A3: 24 mpg 3 Series: 28 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 3 Series has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
If off-road & towing matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the A3 and the 3 Series list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A3 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 255 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A3 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg | 35 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A3 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A3 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A3 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 3 Series if…
- you want more power (255 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 24 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A3 or the 3 Series?
On the specs compared here, the 3 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the A3 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A3 from Audi and the 3 Series from BMW go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. Honestly, 54 hp more power on the 3 Series does a lot of the persuading for me. Less flashy, but still real: the 3 Series brings better fuel economy.
If the things a spec sheet can’t capture is your thing, the A3 fits. If engine & performance matters more, the 3 Series makes more sense.
My pick: the 3 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.