Audi vs. BMW: Comparing Performance, Reliability and Auto Repair
It’s hard to go wrong with an Audi or a BMW. Both luxury German automakers are two of the top-performing vehicles on the road. These high-end vehicles come in many sleek models, including sedans, coupes, and SUVs. Though Audi vehicles are the less common of the two, they have been rising in popularity over the past 5 years with sales up 15%. As such, Audis are quickly becoming the stand out, head-turning vehicle of choice for many. BMWs, however, remain the de-facto standard for popular luxury vehicles.
BMWs and Audis Race Neck and Neck in the Performance Category
BMWs and Audis are in-demand in part because of their performance record. With smooth handling and fast acceleration these German model cars attract those who require a top-performing vehicle. U.S. News & World report ranks Audi as having slightly superior performance over BMW but many car enthusiasts would beg to differ. Calling Audi a “polished Volkswagen,” many BMW fans give an eye roll to the notion that Audis are the superior vehicle.
Both for sedan and sporty models, it’s a toss up to say which brand truly performs better between the two. It’s also worth mentioning that in the category of safety, BMWs and Audis are both top rated and considered some of the safest vehicles around.
Which Car Will Get You There? BMW vs. Audi
Drivers want a car that rates high in reliability even though the category may get a yawn from car enthusiasts who care most about power and torque. Car brands with higher reliability tend to have fewer break downs and auto repairs meaning they can cost less to drive over the lifetime of the vehicle. In the dependability category, BMW is the clear victor with each of its major vehicle models ranking “above average.”
Audi has only three models with this sought-after rating as the rest are rated “average.” Considering both luxury-grade German cars require a significant financial investment to own, some critics say Audis could do much better in this area. After all, if you invest a lot in purchasing a vehicle, you don’t want to invest a lot in Audi automotive repair.
Audi vs. BMW Auto Repair Cost Comparison
Speaking of Audi and BMW auto repair, which brand costs more? In the category of auto repair costs, Audis cost the most to repair when compared to BMW and even Mercedes Benz. Part of this higher auto repair cost may be attributed to the fact that there are fewer Audis on the road, which per the economics of supply and demand, mean parts and auto repair for Audis will cost more.
However, the cost of routine auto repair maintenance will cost more for BMW than Audis over a lifetime of ownership (or 10 years). While both are in the top 5 most expensive cars for vehicle maintenance, BMW ranks number one. When purchasing a new or used vehicle, it’s important to consider your maintenance and auto repair costs will jump significantly once warrantee period has expired. Both brand vehicles are expensive to own in general, which is why leasing or buying used can be a savvy option for many first-time buyers.
The Extras, Which Model is Better?
The term better can be impossible to quantify since it’s mainly a matter of opinion. As such, there’s no way to say one vehicle has better style and sophistication than the other particularly when both BMW and Audi rank so high in this area. The BMW 3 Series, perhaps the automaker’s most well-known model, continues to impress with attention-getting sleek lines and superbly styled interior. Audi’s rival the A4 offers similarly stunning designs and interior textures so it’s a matter of opinion which is “better.” Many critics give the trophy to BMW but it’s by a nose.
In terms of modern technology, both BMW and Audi models are top in their class with BMW offering a more modern and compelling design. Both offer multimedia systems, Bluetooth capability, voice control capabilities and the most advanced safety features that are available.
BMW vs. Audi Summary
So if you are researching options on buying a new or used vehicle, you really can’t go wrong with either Deutschland-designed BMWs or Audis. Both vehicles rate high in terms of performance and extras with BMWs costing more to maintain for the long term. BMIs are ranked better in overall vehicle reliability, and this is the only category where one model stands out more than the other.
