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Audi A4 vs BMW 318i

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Audi logo

2020 Audi A4

BMW logo

1998 BMW 318i

Overview

SpecAudi A4PremiumBMW 318i318i
Selected trimPremium318i
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (required)regular unleaded
Transmission7-speed automated manual5-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20201998

Pricing & market

SpecAudi A4PremiumBMW 318i318i
MSRP$37,400$0 (best)
Lowest listing price$15,423 (best)
Median listing price$18,627 (best)
Highest listing price$20,801 (best)
For sale now5 (best)0

Fuel economy & range

SpecAudi A4PremiumBMW 318i318i
Combined MPG30 MPG (best)24 MPG
City MPG27 MPG (best)20 MPG
Highway MPG35 MPG (best)29 MPG
Fuel tank15.3 gal16.4 gal (best)

Performance

SpecAudi A4PremiumBMW 318i318i
Horsepower188 hp (best)138 hp
Torque236 lb-ft (best)133 lb-ft
Engine size2 L (best)1.9 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecAudi A4PremiumBMW 318i318i
Seating5 seats (best)
Doors44
Cargo volume12 cu ft (best)
Curb weight3,417 lbs2,954 lbs (best)
Wheelbase111 in (best)106.3 in
Length187.5 in (best)174.5 in
Width72.7 in (best)66.9 in
Height56.2 in (best)54.8 in

Safety & recalls

SpecAudi A4PremiumBMW 318i318i
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)3None reported (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimAudi A4BMW 318i
1

Premium

$37,400 MSRP(Currently comparing)

318i

$0 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Premium Plus

$41,000 MSRP

3

Prestige

$46,950 MSRP

Live inventory

Audi A4 vs BMW 318i FAQ

Which is better: 2020 Audi A4 or 1998 BMW 318i?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Audi A4 vs 1998 BMW 318i on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2020 Audi A4 or 1998 BMW 318i?
Based on starting MSRP, the 1998 BMW 318i starts lower at $0. Live Audi A4 listings start at $15,423.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Audi A4 or 1998 BMW 318i?
The 1998 BMW 318i leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (0).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Audi A4 or 1998 BMW 318i?
The 2020 Audi A4 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
Which has better horsepower: 2020 Audi A4 or 1998 BMW 318i?
The 2020 Audi A4 leads on horsepower in this comparison (188).
Which has better seats: 2020 Audi A4 or 1998 BMW 318i?
The 2020 Audi A4 leads on seats in this comparison (5).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Audi A4 vs 1998 BMW 318i?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A4 (5/5 NHTSA overall).