Model Year | 2006 | 2011 | |
Model | Audi A3 | BMW 3-Series | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 108.7 in | -7.2 in |
Length | 168.7 in | 178.2 in | -9.5 in |
Width | 69.5 in | 71.5 in | -2 in |
Height | 56.0 in | 55.8 in | 0.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3263 lb. | 3462 lb. | -199 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -0.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.1 in | 38.5 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.3 in | 55.4 in | -1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 41.5 in | -0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 38.0 in | -1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 55.1 in | -2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.8 in | 34.6 in | 0.2 in |
Total Legroom | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | -0.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.1 ft3 | 24.8 ft3 | -11.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.6 ft3 | 58.0 ft3 | -3.4 ft3 |
2006 Audi A3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The back seat is too small for most adults. I hadn't thought about it much when I bought the car, but it became apparent. I'd take friends to lunch and they are uncomfortable.Even ifa personplans on sitting small children in the back, they grow and the useful life of the car is affected. I wish the Europeans would figure that out. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Due to the position of the doors it is hard to get in and out of the car. see full Audi A3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The Subaru has a more comfortable and roomy back seat, with easier ingress/egress. see full Audi A3 review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |