Compare UK cars
Car comparison tool
Pick two cars from the MotorTools database and compare economy, tax, insurance groups, running costs, oil, ULEZ notes and common faults — then open a shareable head-to-head page.
| Spec | BMW 3 Series | Audi A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2012–2018 | 2016–2024 |
| Type | Saloon | Saloon |
| Engine (typical) | 2.0 Diesel | 2.0 TDI |
| Power | 190 hp | 150–190 hp |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Economy | 50–60 mpg | 50–60 mpg |
| 0–60 | 8.5–12.5 sec 0–60 mph | 8.5–12.5 sec 0–60 mph |
| Boot | 480 litres | 480–965 litres |
| Insurance group | Typically groups 23–34 | Typically groups 12–28, depending on trim and power |
| Road tax (indicative) | Depends on first registration date, CO₂ band and fuel type — confirm on GOV.UK | Depends on first registration date, CO₂ band and fuel type — confirm on GOV.UK |
| Running costs / yr | ~£2,212–£3,456 / year | ~£2,006–£2,952 / year |
| Oil | LL-01 / LL-04 or newer BMW Longlife grade for the engine code | Often VW 504/507 or Audi equivalent LongLife — match the exact approval |
| Tyre pressure | Typically ~32–39 PSI; many use run-flats | Often ~32–38 PSI cold — door sticker is law for loading |
| ULEZ | Older diesels often charge in ULEZ — check the registration on TfL before buying | Most post-2015 Euro 6 diesels are ULEZ compliant — still check the plate on TfL |
| Common fault #1 | EGR cooler and DPF loading on diesel models | Oil leaks / timing chain on some TFSI |
| Best for | Motorway miles with a premium cabin. | Company-car and premium estate buyers. |
Indicative running costs: ~£2,212–£3,456 / year vs ~£2,006–£2,952 / year
Popular head-to-heads
- BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4The default premium saloon scrap — handling vs cabin polish.
- BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-ClassDriver’s car vs comfort-first exec saloon.
- Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz C-ClassTwo badge rivals with different ownership quirks.
- Ford Fiesta vs Vauxhall CorsaBritain’s supermini heavyweights for first cars and city miles.
- Volkswagen Golf vs Ford FocusFamily hatch classic — Golf polish vs Focus drive.
- Volkswagen Golf vs SEAT LeonSame MQB family, different badge premium.
- Toyota Yaris vs Honda JazzHybrid supermini reliability contest.
- Nissan Qashqai vs Kia SportageFamily crossover favourites with long warranty angles on Kia.
- Hyundai Tucson vs Kia SportageSister SUVs — kit, warranty and residual value.
- Tesla Model 3 vs Polestar 2Premium EV saloons — Supercharger network vs European polish.
- MINI Cooper vs Audi A1Premium supermini character vs quiet Audi cabin.
- Peugeot 208 vs Renault ClioFrench supermini rivals — PureTech belt caution vs Clio value.
- Honda Civic vs Toyota CorollaDependable family hatches with hybrid options.
- BMW X3 vs Audi Q3Compact-premium SUV sizes compared for UK families.
- Ford Mustang vs Nissan GT-RHalo performance lookups — muscle vs tech AWD monster.
How to use this comparison
Figures come from our curated UK model pages and ownership estimates (about 8,000 miles/year for running costs). They are indicative planning ranges, not insurer or DVLA quotes.
Popular head-to-heads (3 Series vs A4, Fiesta vs Corsa, Golf vs Focus, and more) also have dedicated SEO pages you can link to or share.
After comparing, dig into each car’s buying tips and fault list before you view a used example.
Frequently asked questions
- Why don’t you show live used prices?
- Market prices move daily. We focus on ownership costs and specs you can compare fairly; check Auto Trader or a dealer for asking prices.
- Can I compare any two cars on the site?
- Yes — use the selectors below. Curated pairs also have permanent URLs under /tools/compare/…
- Are running costs exact?
- No — insurance and fuel prices dominate. Use the numbers to see relative difference, then refine with our running-costs calculator.
Related tools and guides
MotorTools calculators give planning estimates only. Confirm figures against GOV.UK, your V5C, handbook or a qualified garage before buying, renewing tax or carrying out work.