A4 vs 3 Series
The A4 and the 3 Series compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Audi and BMW each making its case. The scorecard favors the 3 Series, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is 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 & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
- 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
-
The 3 Series has 54 hp more power
For total system output, the 3 Series leads by a wide margin: 255 hp versus 201 hp. The 3 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The 3 Series has 59 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 295 lb-ft to the A4’s 236 lb-ft, the 3 Series has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The 3 Series has better fuel economy
Slight advantage to the 3 Series: 31 mpg compared with 29 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The 3 Series has better city fuel economy
On fuel economy (city), the 3 Series edges out the A4, 28 mpg to 26 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 3 Series starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
3 Series leads
The A4 is outclassed on engine & performance; the 3 Series leads by a clear margin. Choose the 3 Series and you get 54 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the 3 Series is the stronger car.
Total system output
A4: 201 hp 3 Series: 255 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
A4: 236 lb-ft 3 Series: 295 lb-ft The 3 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
3 Series leads
Here the 3 Series opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The 3 Series brings better fuel economy. The 3 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. For fuel economy & range, the 3 Series is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
A4: 29 mpg 3 Series: 31 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
A4: 26 mpg 3 Series: 28 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the A4 and the 3 Series cover space & practicality equally well on paper. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the A4 and the 3 Series list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A4 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 255 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 236 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 | A4 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 29 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 35 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A4 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A4 | 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A4 | 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 236 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 29 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 26 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A4 or the 3 Series?
On the specs compared here, the 3 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the A4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the A4 from Audi and the 3 Series from BMW. The 3 Series has 54 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Then there’s better fuel economy, another point for the 3 Series.
The A4 is built for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture heavily, and the 3 Series for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: the 3 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.