Thinking about buying an Audi A3 3.2? Compare it to a BMW 135i first!
The BMW 135i Overview
The 1 Series positions BMW's product offerings into a market segment where BMW has not had a presence in recent years. The 1 Series puts BMW squarely into competition with some models that haven't been considered BMW competitors before, and gives BMW a more favorable price point against some that were. Here's a field of key competitors for the two 1 Series Coupe models; click on the model for a brief analysis of how BMW's new compact Coupes stack up against each of their key rivals.
The Audi A3 3.2 Overview
As Audi's smallest and least costly series, the A3 comes in two models. At $26,705, the entry 2.0 Turbo has a 4-cylinder, 200-hp engine and front-wheel drive; the available 6-speed double-clutch manual/automatic transmission adds $1,480. All A3s are related to the VW Golf/Rabbit/GTI/R32 platform. At $35,690, the A3 3.2 quattro is priced almost identically to the 135i Coupe. Yet with its iron-block 250-hp V-6 engine, standard double-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, it doesn't even match the 128i in performance. So this 5-door hatchback's strength is practicality, not performance or agility. The 2.0 model is more agile and offers a manual transmission, but loses performance.
BMW vs. Audi
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What BMW offers…
- Classic BMW Coupe sportiness and style
- 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine, 300 hp/300 lb-ft., 0-60 mph 5.1 sec. MT, 5.2 sec. AT
- Available with 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive, aluminum front suspension
- Optimal weight balance, approx. 52% F/48% R
- Brembo 6-piston front/2-piston rear, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
- 4-year/50,000-mile maintenance included
What Audi doesn’t…
- Hatchback - not popular for premium cars in U.S.
- Shares platform with corporate VW siblings
- 3.2-liter V-6, 250 hp/236 lb-ft., 0-60 mph 5.9 sec.
- Available only with double-clutch manual/automatic transmission; no pure manual transmission available
- Cast-iron engine block, all-wheel drive, all-steel suspension: more weight, less agility
- Front-heavy, about 60% F/40% R weight distribution
- Conventional brakes, ventilated front discs only
- No included maintenance
"We don't think it's going too far out on a limb to suggest that the 1 Series Coupe
is the most complete car in its class as far as performance and dynamics are concerned." - AutoWeek
Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
