Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328ivsAUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30V

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Touring (E36)

328i

193 hp2793 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate1995-1999
VS

AUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)

2.8 V6 30V

193 hp2771 ccGasolineFWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate1996-1999

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.4 s
  • Fastest top speed
    240 km/h
    149 mph Unrestricted
    230 km/h
    143 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    193 hp
    144 kW
  • Highest torque
    280 Nm
    207 lb-ft
  • Lowest city consumption
    13.5 L/100 km
    17.4 mpg US
    20.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.8 L/100 km
    34.6 mpg US
    41.5 mpg UK
  • Best overall score
    60/100
  • Best performance score
    52/100

AUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30V

  • Lightest
    1,320 kg
    2,910 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    146 hp/t
    109 kW/t
    6.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.6 L/100 km
    27.4 mpg US
    32.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    721 km
    448 mi
  • Largest trunk
    390 L
  • Best economy score
    84/100
  • Best practicality score
    79/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Touring (E36)328iAUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
Power
193hp144kW
193hp144kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
280Nm207lb-ft
Curb weight
1,365kg3,009lb
1,320kg2,910lb
Gross weight
1,865kg4,112lb
1,870kg4,123lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Calculated
236 km/h
147 mph
To 99% top speed
69.2s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
69.5s99% target: 234 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.4s
7.4s
0-200 km/h
25.9s
Calculated
27.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.1s
Calculated
7.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
8.6L/100 km27.4mpg US32.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
13.7L/100 km17.2mpg US20.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
7.1L/100 km33.1mpg US39.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.3s
Calculated
15.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
141hp/t105kW/t64hp/1000 lb
Calculated
146hp/t109kW/t66hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
205Nm/t137lb-ft/ton
Calculated
212Nm/t142lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
721km448mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,793cc170cu in
2,771cc169cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,479mm176in
Width
1,698mm67in
1,733mm68in
Height
1,391mm55in
1,417mm56in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,607mm103in
Front track
1,418mm56in
1,498mm59in
Rear track
1,431mm56in
1,478mm58in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
370L
390L
Max trunk volume
1,320L
1,250L
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
62L
62L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328iAUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30VPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
  • AUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30V: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i5,300 rpm3,950 rpm5,550 rpm
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V6,000 rpm3,200 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Touring (E36)328iAUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.1 s
7.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.4 s
7.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
25.9 s
27.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Likely limited
236 km/h
147 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.8 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.9 s
6.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.2 s
10.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.0 s
12.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.3 s
15.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
158 km/h
98 mph
157 km/h
98 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
193 hp
144 kW

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
280 Nm
207 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
1,365 kg
3,009 lb
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
1,320 kg
2,910 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
236 km/h
147 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i7.4 s
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V7.4 s

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between AUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30V and BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328i: 0.7 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
141 hp/t
105 kW/t
7.1 kg/hp
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
146 hp/t
109 kW/t
6.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
667 km
414 mi
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
721 km
448 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW
7.4 s
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
193 hp
144 kW
7.4 s
236 km/h
147 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
370 L
13.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,391 mm
54.8 in
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
390 L
13.8 cu ft
Length
4,479 mm
176.3 in
Height
1,417 mm
55.8 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328i is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
7.4 s
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
7.4 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
141 hp/t
105 kW/t
7.1 kg/hp
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
AUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
146 hp/t
109 kW/t
6.8 kg/hp
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Touring (E36)328iAUDIA4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D)2.8 V6 30V
Power
193 hp
144 kW
193 hp
144 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.4 s
7.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
236 km/h
147 mph
Lightness
1,365 kg
3,009 lb
1,320 kg
2,910 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
370 L
13.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,391 mm
54.8 in
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
390 L
13.8 cu ft
Length
4,479 mm
176.3 in
Height
1,417 mm
55.8 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
721 km
448 mi
Trunk score
370 L
13.1 cu ft
390 L
13.8 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
141 hp/t
105 kW/t
7.1 kg/hp
146 hp/t
109 kW/t
6.8 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328iAUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30V
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK8.6 L/100 km27.4 mpg US32.8 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km15.05 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi24.22 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal1,290 L341 US gal284 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year2,258 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328i

  • Has 4 km/h (2 mph) higher top speed

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

AUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30V

  • Is 45 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 5 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 54 km (34 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 20 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 328i
AUDI A4 Avant (B5/TYP 8D) 2.8 V6 30V
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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