The corporations Audi and BMW are familiar to everyone. The cars of these manufacturers are recognizable from afar, even without a badge, their face is absolutely familiar. Choosing between the BMW1 and Audi A3 models can be challenging, especially if you like both. To avoid making a wrong choice, it is essential to understand precisely what the car owner wants from their new iron horse.
Exterior of Audi A3 and BMW1
Audi entered the market in its first iteration as a hatchback, with no other options available for the A3. The second generation also offered consumers a convertible. In contemporary times, the Audi A3 sedan is quite popular.
The model itself is very compact. The model is updated with the same periodicity as its older siblings in the A series lineup. The Three is similar to the A4, A6, or A8. The only difference lies in the dimensions. The A3 models also received the S-line modification.
This includes an extended radiator grille, a massive bumper with large air intakes, folds on the hood, ribs on the doors, and the form of the headlights adds aggression to the car. A slight protrusion appears on the trunk, which not only serves a design function but also functions as a spoiler. The Audi A3 is made in the spirit of the corporation, it is a classic Audi sedan.
The history of the exterior of the BMW1 is similar to Audi's, as it also initially came out as a hatchback, produced convertibles, and now sedans can be seen. The BMW 1 series is based on the BMW 3 series, with the three being downsized to create the popular One series today.
BMW's style has been preserved. The recognizable radiator grille, hood adorned with the traditional propeller, pointed bumper, and ribs on the doors. The traditional shark fin adorns the roof.
Interior
The difference in the interiors of the cars is significant. The cars do not belong to the economy class, but setting a high price was not rational for the manufacturer.
The Audi A3's interior is designed in Audi's style and has nothing superfluous; a sense of minimalism emanates from the interior. However, the interior has everything necessary for comfortable driving and enjoying the view.
The manufacturer used expensive materials, dense plastic with moderate rigidity, and the layout of the car control buttons is intuitive and does not require getting used to. There are no unexpected button placements or non-standard inconvenient solutions.
The interior is equipped with a pop-up 7-inch display. The instrument panel lighting is adjustable and has clear tones that are easy on the eyes, providing no discomfort when driving in the dark.
The Audi seats are designed with perfect lateral support, with adjustable backrest position, lumbar support adjustment, and thigh support adjustment. Considering the size of the A3, it is worth noting that it may not be very spacious for tall or large passengers, and in the BMW 1 series, there is even less space.
BMW clearly decided to save on the interior of the One series. There are not many compartments for storage, the execution of buttons and plastic in the interior is not as high quality, but there are no complaints about the lighting. At night, you can turn off all the illuminated buttons to avoid eye strain.
The comfortable seats in the 1 series are only in the front. The rear bench is just there, not suitable for passengers on long trips — for sure. The front seats are not adjusted as actively as in the Audi. BMW, in creating the 1 series, clearly economized and lost its main features in the desire to release a more affordable model. There is no folding armrest with cup holders on the rear bench, nor are there pockets in the doors.
Driving Dynamics of BMW1 and Audi A3
The Audi A3 was only produced with front-wheel drive. In the latest generation, the well-known «Quattro» was introduced. All-wheel drive cannot be a bad choice for a car. The clearance of the A3 is 165mm for the 3rd generation, making all-wheel drive quite suitable for the model.
For Russian roads, the suspension is well tuned, the level of stiffness allows for comfort even on significant bumps. The A3 is stable on sharp turns, does not sway at speeds above 120 km/h, the weight balance and technical characteristics are well thought out. The steering wheel responds promptly to the driver, the brakes are sensitive and responsive.
The modern generation with turbocharged engines accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The automatic transmission does not hesitate and shifts in a timely manner. Overtaking with the Audi is safe.
The 1st and 2nd generation models accelerate in no more than 13.7 sec., which is also a good indicator.
BMW 1 series is offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive. In the second generation, the xDrive version appears, which is less popular than the classic rear-wheel drive BMW. The car's clearance is 130 mm, its off-road capability is not high, usually affecting the bumpers of this model, which are the most popular consumable of the model.
The BMW suspension is firmer, but the difference is not so critical. The response of the steering wheel is instantaneous, the braking system is well thought out, and the car's stability fully matches the indicators of the older siblings of the 3, 5, and 7 series.
The modern version of the 1 series accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.4 sec. These performance figures are provided by the most expensive configuration. Previous generations and simpler configurations achieve a time of 10.9 sec.
The sound insulation is better in the Audi, but in this situation, it is important to pay attention to what the consumer requires. The BMW engine roar can be heard in the cabin. BMW could have improved the soundproofing, but did not do so, as the sound of their engines is one of the hallmark features of the corporation.
Read more: Comparison of BMW X6 and Cadillac Escalade
Engines and Transmissions
Audi predominantly installs robots. There are configurations where manual transmissions are installed. Manual transmissions are only available in petrol front-wheel-drive versions. Diesel or all-wheel-drive versions come with a robot. The maximum engine power of the Audi A3 reaches 190 hp (2.0 L, all-wheel/front-wheel drive on a petrol engine)
In BMW, the gearbox is either automatic or manual. Automatic and manual transmissions can be found in both diesel and petrol versions. The maximum engine power of the BMW 1 series is 340 hp (3.0 L, all-wheel/rear-wheel drive on a petrol engine).
So, Which is Better, Audi A3 or BMW 1 series?
Comparing the A3 and 1-Series is quite simple. Each car has its advantages and disadvantages. If driving experience is insufficient, comfort in the cabin is desired, and there are poorly passable sections on the usual route, then the Audi A3 is the clear choice.
If you want the thrill of rear-wheel drive, have no need to drive out of the city, and cabin comfort is not as important as aggressive looks, then it's BMW.
