Audi A4 vs. BMW 3 Series

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series.

When we compare the Audi A4's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Audi A4's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series is a better car than the Audi A4.

Pricing: A used 2025 Audi A4 ranges from $35,291 to $47,907 while a used 2025 BMW 3 Series is priced between $38,998 to $61,980. For a new model, the Audi A4's price is between $43,191 and $53,047, with the BMW 3 Series priced between $49,425 and $69,475.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A4 loses 55 percent of its value and the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 3.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A4.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series is 7.7 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. Audi A4 is ranked 10 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and BMW 3 Series is ranked 14 out of 35, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A4 is 7.7 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Audi A4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A4’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The A4 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 551 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Audi A4 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Audi A4 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.