VS
At a Glance
Power
354hp @ 5400
255hp @ 4700
Torque
369lb-ft @ 1370
295lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
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 354hp @ 5400 while the BMW 3 Series produces 255hp @ 4700. On fuel, the A4 returns 26 mpg est. while the 3 Series uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $51,400 for the A4 and $45,950 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 A4S4 3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro AWD 2018 - From $51,400
BMW 3 Series330i xDrive Sedan 2025 - From $45,950
Performance
Power Output (hp)
354hp @ 5400
255hp @ 4700
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 1370
295lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30mpg
34mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.3gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.8in
185.7in
Width (in)
72.5in
71.9in
Height (in)
55.3in
57in
Wheelbase (in)
111.2in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3858lbs
3752lbs
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
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
BMW 3 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A4
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
3 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A4
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($45,950)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A4 or 3 Series?
The A4 gets 26 mpg est. and the 3 Series gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 3 Series 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 354hp @ 5400 and 369lb-ft @ 1370 of torque while the 3 Series delivers 255hp @ 4700 and 295lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The A4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A4 and 3 Series?
The A4 starts from $51,400 and the 3 Series from $45,950. The 3 Series is cheaper by $5,450 at this variant level. 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