Audi A3 8V vs BMW 1 Series F40

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

The third-generation A3 (8V), on the MQB platform.

BMW 1 Series

F40 · 2019 – 2024

The third-generation 1 Series (F40), BMW’s first front-wheel-drive model.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the 8V for the proven 1.5 TFSI and optional quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with the newer MMI.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW 1 Series

Pick the 1 Series for sharp BMW handling in a roomy, modern premium hatch.

Best engine: The 118i (petrol) or 118d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs B38 118i · Petrol

	Audi A3	BMW 1 Series
Power	150 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	220 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,2 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	213 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t Winner	106,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km Winner	124 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km Winner	5,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	BMW 1 Series
Boot	380 L	380 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L Winner	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,67 m Winner
Length	4,31 m	4,32 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	15,2 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m Winner	11,4 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg Winner	1.300 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	BMW 1 Series
Platform	MQB (transverse)	UKL2/FAAR (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 48V mild-hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	7-speed DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

DQ200 DSG service (1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI)
Timing-chain tensioner on early EA888 1.8/2.0
Water pump/Haldex (quattro) needs checking

BMW 1 Series

48V mild-hybrid system
Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking

Pros

Audi A3

Optional quattro drive
1.5 TFSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TDI (150 hp) are the proven picks
Interior materials that wear well

BMW 1 Series

More cabin space than its predecessor
Premium interior
Efficient engines

Cons

Audi A3

S line suspension rides firmly
Pre-facelift cars lack Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

BMW 1 Series

Front-wheel drive (less playful than before)
Firm ride on M Sport

Driving experience

Audi A3

Quiet, precise and easy to drive quickly. The A3 steers accurately with a light, consistent weighting, rides well on its standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. Front-drive versions are neat and predictable; quattro adds strong traction out of corners and on poor surfaces, particularly on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is the pick — smooth, economical and quick enough; the 2.0 TFSI adds real pace; the 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage choice. The S tronic is sharp; the manual is light and precise. Body control is good, though the A3 is tuned more for comfort than for entertainment.

BMW 1 Series

Agile, sharp and impressively poised for a front-driver. Steering is quick, accurate and well-weighted, body control taut, and the 1 Series turns in keenly with little of the understeer you might expect. sDrive keeps it light and lively; xDrive on the M135i adds tenacious all-weather grip. The B38 triple is willing if a little coarse, the B48 four is smooth and eager, and the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay refined. The 7-speed dual-clutch is quick and slick. Overall a genuinely engaging hatch that feels more BMW than its platform suggests.