VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 4200
386hp @ 5200
Torque
236lb-ft @ 1450
398lb-ft @ 1900
Fuel
31 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A4 delivers 201hp @ 4200 while the BMW 3 Series produces 386hp @ 5200. On fuel, the A4 returns 31 mpg est. while the 3 Series uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $47,100 for the A4 and $47,500 for the 3 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A4Premium Plus 40 TFSI quattro 2025 - From $47,100
BMW 3 SeriesM340i NA Sedan 2026 - From $47,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 4200
386hp @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft)
236lb-ft @ 1450
398lb-ft @ 1900
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
31 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
27mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
36mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.3gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.5in
185.9in
Width (in)
72.7in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.2in
56.4in
Wheelbase (in)
111in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3638lbs
3896lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
A4
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A4
Better fuel economy (31 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($47,100)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW 3 Series
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A4 or 3 Series?
The A4 gets 31 mpg est. and the 3 Series gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A4 or 3 Series?
The A4 produces 201hp @ 4200 and 236lb-ft @ 1450 of torque while the 3 Series delivers 386hp @ 5200 and 398lb-ft @ 1900 of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A4 and 3 Series?
The A4 starts from $47,100 and the 3 Series from $47,500, a difference of just $400, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A4 or the 3 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider