Although the BMW 1 Series has by far the largest headroom of any of its rivals, there isn’t much to distinguish the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series up front. Even anyone over six feet tall won’t have any issues in the front of the A3.
In comparison to the A3, the BMW 1 Series is preferable for the backseat passengers. This is due to the third-generation model’s advancement over its forerunners, which includes adding extra space for passengers in the back.
However, the amount of space in the Audi A3’s back is not significantly different. Although there isn’t a ton of space to spread out like there is in the Skoda Octavia, a couple of six-footers could sit back there without having their knees shoved up against the front seats. But that car has some spatial knowledge.
Then what about the boot? In terms of cargo space, the A3 and 1 Series are comparable at 380 liters each. It is significantly simpler to carry heavy objects into the back without having to uncomfortably hoist it higher because neither model has much of a load lip.
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Driving Practice
Both the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series offer a wide variety of capable and elegant engines, but if you want to unleash maximum performance, you must select a diesel.
On any highway, the A3 Sportback drives smoothly and comfortably. Due to Audi’s electric power steering, handling is fluid through turns and regardless of trim, steering will be effective. The 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine is ideal for city spins if you’re a die-hard petrolhead.
However, if you want the authentic Audi experience, the 2.0-liter Quattro four-wheel-drive diesel powertrain with a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox is your best bet. The 2.0-liter diesel engine, which can accelerate to 62 mph in just 6.8 seconds, offers excellent fuel economy for frequent highway driving.
The 1 Series will astound you more than the Audi A3, despite the latter’s ability to handle itself with grace and vigor. The 1 Series nevertheless feels cozy and quiet at high speeds despite losing rear-wheel drive capability.
It seems more nimble and pleasurable to drive than the Audi A3 because to the exceptionally engaging steering and the smooth transmissions. The easy-to-drive diesel engines in the 1 Series provide a more well-rounded driving experience, with the 2.0-liter 118d model being the most economical of the bunch. The 118i, a quieter and smoother petrol-powered alternative that is more reasonably priced, is only worthwhile if you only plan to drive in your neighborhood. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s also the high-performance Mi35i, which is extremely quick.
Visit our page comparing the Audi A3 and S3 if you’re looking for something with a bit more oomph.
exterior style
The BMW 1 Series is brand-new for the 2020 model year, whereas the Audi A3 is a seven-year-old design as of 2019. This is the main difference between these hatchbacks. For the 2017 model year, Audi did make a few tweaks, although they are hardly noticeable.
In 2020, the 1 Series is a significantly more assertive and sophisticated hatchback. Along with more angular headlamps that sit almost diagonally at the corners of the front fascia, it has a larger twin-kidney grille like those found on the larger 5 Series and 7 Series vehicles. Additionally, BMW redesigned the bumper to incorporate a vent with a black trim that runs from side to side.
In contrast, the A3 hasn’t really changed much since its 2012 redesign, despite the 2017 makeover. It doesn’t mean it’s unattractive; it just feels a little dated. Audi made an effort to mimic some of the new aesthetic elements of the larger models, but the A3 still resembles a more affordable A4 with a hatchback in the back.
The 1 Series’ profile also underwent significant changes, and it now resembles the Mercedes-Benz A-Class more. This is as a result of BMW’s decision to forego a straight beltline in favor of a rising character line that results in progressively smaller windows at the rear. The front hood of the new 1 Series is likewise a bit shorter and slopes toward the fascia. Comparing the new 1 Series to the old 1 Series, the nose itself sits lower. The 1 Series is now more similar to the conventional hatchback designs of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Audi A3 thanks to these revisions. The A3 still maintains a nearly straight beltline, though.
The car with a simpler and cleaner look is unquestionably the A3 Sportback. With practically flat side panels and the sole hint of sportiness coming from the lower character line, it is a more understated alternative to the 1 Series. The A3 Sportback, unlike the 1 Series, features a very small quarter window behind the back door. Consequently, the A3 Sportback still has a wagon-like aspect whereas the 1 Series has evolved into a fast hatchback.
The rear fascia of the 1 Series has a sportier appearance than the front fascia. This is facilitated by the vehicle’s sloping roofline, constrained rear window, and flatter, longer taillights. Additionally, BMW relocated the bumper’s license plate recess to the tailgate. One of the characteristics that distinguished the original 1 Series from its rivals was the bumper-fitted license plate, but I suppose BMW decided to follow modern trends. The diffuser-like black feature, which has been reduced to a thin strip, is another significant modification.
The A3 Sportback’s rear end has several characteristics with the 1 Series. Although it doesn’t have the same wide stance, it does have a clean bumper, a relatively small back window, and horizontal taillights. However, similarly like the profile, the Bimmer’s rear end is less athletic and has a more wagon-like appearance. A single component—the three-piece lower bumper that resembles a genuine diffuser—projects a little more sportiness.
Overall, the 1 Series looks sportier and more contemporary even though the A3 Sportback’s design isn’t out of date.
Exterior Design
Both the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series stand out from the ferocious competition in the small family hatchback market because to their luxury appearance and feel.
The BMW 1 Series has a chunkier design, whereas the Audi A3 is sleeker with sweeping horizontal lines and a beautiful appearance. Regardless of what you want, each is offered in a variety of trim levels, such as the sporty S Line on the Audi A3 and the M Sport trim on the BMW 1 Series.
What BMW model compares to the Audi A3?
Wilson, Saffron. The premium hatchback market is undoubtedly led by the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series. So it goes without saying that you would have thought about the two if you were searching for a chic town car. They both exude style, and their more recent models are both very beautifully furnished.
Better BMW 1 or 3 Series?
With regard to fuel types and transmissions, both models provide a wide variety of powertrains. The 3 Series also has a state-of-the-art hybrid. The 330e has several astounding statistics, like as a 292hp power rating with only 188.3–201.8 mpg in terms of consumption.
These two automobiles also come with performance options. The M135i xDrive, a brand-new hot hatch with 306 horsepower and four-wheel drive that can reach 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds, is an option for the 1 Series. The M340i with xDrive is back for the 3 Series. With a 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 374 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, the car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in in 4.4 seconds.
Overall, these cars are quite evenly matched in terms of their engines. The 3 Series is the more potent of the two, but because it is larger than the 1 Series, its fuel efficiency isn’t quite as outstanding.
Which is better, the BMW or the Audi?
BMW’s vehicles, which are made to provide the “ultimate driving experience,” frequently outperform Audi in terms of handling. Because of their overall stronger suspension systems that promote a smooth, pleasant ride, Audi vehicles are significantly less agile than BMW vehicles. BMW typically ranks higher for dependability
Which is more dependable, BMW or Audi?
Which Luxury Car Brand Has a Better Reputation? Despite the great reliability of both BMW and Audi, Audi ultimately prevails because to its extended warranty coverage and additional safety measures.
Which BMW is the same as an A4?
Design and interior of the 2022 Audi A4 and 2022 BMW 3 Series The 2022 A4 and 2022 3 Series look very similar from the outside in terms of size and shape. Both the 2022 A4 and 2022 3 Series come standard with power sunroofs, LED headlamps, and taillamps.
Audi versus BMW: which automobile is simpler to maintain?
According to the ranking, both are regarded as reliable, although Audi is more reliable. Audi is included in the comparison with 7 models, and its reliability rating is 71 out of 100 on average. BMW offers 8 models, and its reliability rating is 57 out of 100 on average. The list’s greatest score is 86, while its lowest is 16
Which costs more to maintain, an Audi or a BMW?
“Since the automobiles are still pretty new and don’t require much maintenance, it’s not unexpected that there are fewer quotes within the first five years.
“It’s intriguing to note, though, exactly how much more expensive Audi is compared to the other two models, particularly between the five and eight-year points.
Perhaps customers entering showrooms across the UK will now pause before selecting a brand to invest in.”
Drivers paid PS182.94 on average for Audi repairs in 2017, 11% less than the PS207.11 quoted in 2016.
The C-Class and A4 have the most discrepancy in repair prices between the manufacturers’ corresponding vehicles.
Repair costs for the A4 are 39% greater than those for the C-Class, and it is 28% taller than the BMW 3-Series.
In contrast to Mercedes, which is the most expensive of the three manufacturers for this kind of maintenance, Audi is the least expensive for steering and suspension, electrical, and battery repairs.
With an average cost of PS369.92, Audi is also the least expensive for a cambelt replacement, as opposed to Mercedes, which costs PS475.54 and BMW, which costs PS826.22.
“The reason for this price disparity is because BMW and Mercedes frequently employ timing chains rather than cambelts, which are more costly to fix.
However, Preston noted that requests for BMW and Mercedes timing chain repairs were 20 and 100 times, respectively, less frequent than those for Audi cambelt repairs.
Mercedes clutch replacements were estimated on average at PS670.58, while BMW and Audi were PS544.85 and PS578.39, respectively.
The average cost of an Audi gearbox repair is the highest of the three brands; a manual gearbox repair costs PS567.73, an auto gearbox repair costs PS428.68, and a reconditioned gearbox costs PS744.60.
Around the five-year mark, Audi repair prices start to rise; at this point, Audi is around PS75 more expensive than Mercedes and PS25 more expensive than BMW.
Jeremy has worked as a journalist for 30 years, 20 of them in the automotive B2B sector. Before launching the AM website, he spent three years as a writer and news editor for AM’s sister publication, Fleet News. He has served as Bauer B2B’s head of digital for the past five years, assisting in the management of AM’s digital assets as well as those of Fleet News, Commercial Fleet, Rail, and Smart Transport.
Are Audi A3s trustworthy?
The reliability of the Audi A3 received favorable reviews. It is rated as having a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability score by RepairPal, placing it fourth out of 17 vehicles in the same category. However, maintaining the A3 may get pricey.
who sells the most automobiles Audi or BMW?
BMW was the world’s top-selling luxury car brand with 2.5 million vehicles sold. In contrast, Volkswagen’s Audi brand sold almost 1.7 million automobiles in 2021.