Audi is the very first manufacturer that started producing the German premium «three». They decided to showcase medium-sized hatchbacks to the market. Today we are talking about the BMW 3 GT and the A5 Sportback. For a whole four years, no one could compete with this model. Just last year, a new BMW model was introduced to the market.
The company introduced the new Gran Turismo, which is based on the third series. Now, let's delve into which car has become more stylish in design and operation.
Interior of BMW 3 GT and Audi A5 Sportback
By external factors, it is very easy to determine where the BMW 3 is and where the Audi A4 is. Developers made sure that the cars had different designs. For example, let's take the A5 model, which resembles the A4 but with a more athletic touch.
Meanwhile, the Gran Turismo looks more like a crossover. This can be noticed by the significantly increased ground clearances, high roof, and massive stern. The GT size is significantly larger than that of the third series. The wheelbase and body length are also larger than those of the BMW 3 series. Inside, it can be said that the models are similar to each other and have little difference from classic sedans. It can be said that BMW has more space than the third series. The same goes for comfort. In a BMW, you will feel more comfortable than in the A5 Sportback.
All thanks to the longer wheelbase by 110 meters, you will feel that you are not hitting your head. The seats in BMW are much more comfortable. As for the trunks, they are almost equal to each other and have a classic volume. Audi has 440 liters, BMW has 435 liters. As you can see, the difference is not significant.
But the compartment in the Gran Turismo is adapted for loading a little better. This is thanks to its low edge. As a result, it will be more convenient for you to use the trunk. The Munich model in the cargo compartment has guides to attach luggage, the backs of the rear seats visually divided into three sections (40, 20, and 40). Meanwhile, the Sportback can only be folded into two — 60 and 40.
Equipment
Both cars have equally good sets that meet standard safety requirements. The A5 Sportback has 6 safety airbags, ABS, a system to distribute braking forces, an emergency braking system, dynamic stabilization system, anti-skid system, and electronic locking system.
The Gran Turismo comes with six safety airbags, ABS, a system that distributes braking forces, dynamic stabilization system, emergency brake system, dynamic traction control system, vehicle stabilization system, and a system that assists in hill start.
Control System and Car Chassis
Audi has a power unit with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. The BMW 3 GT has a two-liter gasoline engine paired with a six-speed manual. The Gran Turismo loses out in some aspects and has a weight of 50 kilograms more, so the chances of this car to outperform its opponent on certain roads decrease, and that's a fact.
BMW falls behind the Sportback in terms of braking and acceleration dynamics, but not significantly. Audi accelerates faster by 0.3 seconds, starting from a standstill to 100 kilometers, on the third gear, that is, from 60 to 120 kilometers faster by 0.6 seconds, on the fourth — by 0.9 seconds, on the fifth — by 0.14 seconds, on the sixth — by 1.6 seconds.
The Gran Turismo starts moving faster by 0.1 seconds per kilometer, from the start to the 40th speed faster by 0.2 seconds, from the 50th by 0.5 seconds. Audi excels in having better braking dynamics than BMW.
To decelerate at a speed of 60, it took 13 meters compared to 14, at 80 speed it required 23 meters compared to 24, at 100 — 37 compared to 38, at 120 speed it needs 55 meters compared to 55, in this case, the cars are equal, and to brake from a speed of 140, it takes 70 meters compared to 74.
But when it comes to fuel consumption, things get more interesting. BMW is more fuel-efficient on the highway. For this car, you need to spend six liters per 100 kilometers, while for Audi, 6.9 liters for the same distance. But on city roads, it's the opposite — the BMW 3 GT consumes more. It requires 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers, whereas for Audi, it's 8.9 liters.
These two cars have a system that shuts off the engine during stops. If we average the indicators, then we can say that the Gran Turismo has greater fuel efficiency. 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers compared to 7.9 liters.
Driving an Audi is best suited for drivers. This car has a steering wheel that provides information, a low center of gravity, stiff suspension for Sportback drivers, and many pleasant sensations during winding roads.
In this model, the sports characteristics are slightly better than in the A4 and BMW. But the Gran Turismo slightly lags behind in informativeness and precision. In addition to that, the ground clearance has been increased, making the car sensitive when lateral loads change.
Despite all these drawbacks, the Gran Turismo has light and pleasant car handling. Besides, you will feel much more comfortable in a BMW than in the stiff Sportback during long trips.
Let's Summarize
The winner of today's duel is the BMW 3 GT. The manufacturers managed to create a comfortable car that can simultaneously combine practicality and aesthetics, comfort with high driving qualities.
What can be said about the Audi A5 Sportback? This car is quite specific because it is made for people who love driving. The five-door body is more like a bonus for the driver of the car.
Test Drive BMW 3 GT and Audi A5 Sportback
Below are the data obtained during the test drive:
| Parameter | Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI | BMW 320i GT |
| Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 8.18 | 8.21 |
| Time to travel 1000 m from a standstill, s | 29.21 | 29.20 |
| Acceleration from 60 to 120 km/h on the 3rd gear, s | 8.1 | 8.7 |
| Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h on 4/5/6 gear, s | 7.5/9.3/11.6 | 8.4/10.6/13.2 |
| Time to travel 1000 m from a standstill at 40/50 speed on 4/5 gear, s | 31.8/32.7 | 31.6/32.3 |
| Braking distance from speeds of 60/80/100/120/140 km/h, m | 13/23/37/55/70 | 14/24/38/55/74 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km highway/city | 6.9/8.9 | 6.0/9.3 |
| Noise level in the cabin when the engine is idling, dB | 47 | 47 |
| Noise level in the cabin at speeds of 100/120/140 km/h, dB | 65/68/71 | 66/69/71 |
| Cabin width at the front/rear seats, cm | 141/138 | 140/134 |
| Minimum/maximum height from the driver's seat cushion to the ceiling, cm | 89/97 | 94/100 |
| Height from the rear seat cushion to the ceiling, cm | 88 | 89 |
| Trunk volume, l | 440 | 435 |
Specifications of BMW 3 GT and Audi A5 Sportback
| Parameter | Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI | BMW 320i GT |
| Price*, euros | 37,260 | 38,500 |
| Type | hatchback | hatchback |
| Number of doors/seats | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Length/width/height, m | 4.712/1854/1391 | 4.824/1,828/1,508 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2,810 | 2,920 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1565 | 1615 |
| Trunk capacity, l | 480-1283 | 520-1600 |
| Engine type | gasoline, with direct injection, turbocharged, and intercooled | gasoline, with direct injection, turbocharged, and intercooled |
| Displacement, cc | 1798 | 1997 |
| Number of cylinders/valves | 4/16 | 4/16 |
| Maximum power, hp/rpm | 170/3800 | 184/5000 |
| Maximum torque, Nm/rpm | 320/1400 | 270/1250 |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Turning diameter, m | 11.5 | 11.8 |
| Front suspension | spring, double wishbone | spring, McPherson |
| Rear suspension | spring, multi-link | spring, multi-link |
| Front/rear brakes | ventilated disc/ disc | ventilated disc/ventilated disc |
| Safety airbags, pcs | 6 | 6 |
| Safety systems | ABS, EBV, SAFE, ESP, ASR, EDS | ABS, EBD, BA, DSC, CBC, DTC, HSA |
| Tires | 225/50 R17 | 225/55 R17 |
