BMW NEW 1-SERIES

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AUDI A3

The A3 is slightly more compact and lighter

Comparing the body size of the BMW 120 and the Audi A3 Sportback, the A3 is slightly smaller overall. The biggest difference is weight, with the A3 being 140 kg lighter than the 120.

BMW is a brand that places emphasis on sporty performance, but when comparing the two cars, the A3 may actually feel more nimble than you’d expect.

BMW New120

Body size = Length 4370mm x Width 1800mm x Height 1465mm

Wheelbase = 2670mm

Vehicle weight = 1460kg

Tire size = 205/55R17

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI

Body size = Total length 4345mm x Total width 1815mm x Total height 1450mm

Wheelbase = 2635mm

Vehicle weight = 1320kg

Tire size = 205/55R16

Engine displacement varies greatly

There is a big difference in the engines. Although they are both in-line three-cylinder engines, the 120 is 1.5 liters and the A3 is 1.0 liters, so if you compare the engines alone, it is no exaggeration to say that they are in different classes.

Furthermore, the 120’s engine employs a mild hybrid system, producing a total system output of 170 PS/280 Nm. The power and torque figures are incomparable to those of the A3. These figures more than offset the weight difference of 140 kg. In terms of sportiness, the 120 seems to overwhelm the A3.

BMW New120

Engine type = Inline 3-cylinder DOHC gasoline turbo + motor

Displacement = 1498cc

Maximum output = 156PS/5000rpm

Maximum torque = 240Nm/1500-4400rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI

Engine type = Inline 3-cylinder DOHC gasoline turbo

Displacement = 999cc

Maximum output = 110PS/5500rpm

Maximum torque = 200Nm/2000-3000rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

Will the 1.4 million yen difference offset the difference in specs?

Considering that the 120 has a larger body size and engine, and also has the latest driving assistance features and infotainment system, it can be said that the 120 is superior in all aspects.

However, if you take price into account, the story changes. The 120 is close to 5 million yen, while the A3 is in the low 3 million yen range. The difference between the two cars is about 1.4 million yen, but with the A3 being this cheap, it can be said that it has enough value to compete with the 120. Audi is also a manufacturer with a reputation for luxury and sportiness.

Vehicle price

BMW New120 4.78 million yen

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI 3.36 million yen

Related reading

The fourth-generation BMW 1 Series is being introduced in Japan with a completely new design and a mild hybrid powertrain.

BMW has introduced the fourth-generation 1 Series to Japan. This premium compact hatchback features a completely redesigned design and a mild hybrid powertrain. The first models to be introduced are a 1.5-liter inline-3 turbo 48V mild hybrid model and a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline turbo engine model, with deliveries scheduled to begin in November.