Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series: True Cost of Ownership
This side-by-side estimate compares five-year ownership costs for Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, including fuel or charging, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Benchmark totals are shown when model-level data is available, and personalized scenarios are available in the calculator.
Quick verdict
Audi A4 is lower in this benchmark by about $1,700 over five years ($76,800 vs $78,500).
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Compare in calculator| Category | Audi A4 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (5y) | $9,800 | $10,200 |
| Insurance (5y) | $13,200 | $13,800 |
| Maintenance (5y) | $8,200 | $9,000 |
| Depreciation (5y) | $28,600 | $28,600 |
| Total (5y) | $76,800 | $78,500 |
Fuel comparison: Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series
Fuel and charging costs are tied to efficiency, annual mileage, and local energy prices.In current benchmarks, Audi A4 is $9,800 over five years and BMW 3 Series is $10,200.
Insurance comparison
Insurance can differ significantly across otherwise similar vehicles due to repair cost, claim severity, location risk, and driver profile. Current benchmark totals are $13,200 for Audi A4 and $13,800 for BMW 3 Series.
Maintenance comparison
Maintenance includes routine service and expected repair patterns over the ownership period. Benchmark maintenance totals are $8,200 for Audi A4 and $9,000 for BMW 3 Series.
Depreciation and resale comparison
Depreciation is usually one of the largest cost drivers because it reflects resale value loss. Audi A4 is benchmarked at $28,600 in depreciation over five years versus $28,600 for BMW 3 Series.
Which one is better for long-term ownership?
Audi A4 is the lower-cost benchmark option by about $1,700 over five years. Your own result can vary based on annual miles, local taxes, insurance profile, and financing terms.
Methodology
CarCostly estimates ownership cost using available vehicle data, fuel economy, annual mileage assumptions, fuel prices, insurance estimates, maintenance estimates, depreciation patterns, taxes, fees, and available recall or reliability signals. These estimates are for planning purposes only and are not financial, insurance, repair, or purchase advice. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, vehicle condition, mileage, trim, insurance profile, and market prices.
FAQ: Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series
Can I compare two cars side by side?
Yes. CarCostly provides side-by-side ownership cost comparison including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and total five-year view.
Why is total ownership cost different from purchase price?
Purchase price is only one part of the total. Ownership cost also includes fuel or charging, insurance, maintenance, taxes and fees, and depreciation over time.
Does CarCostly include insurance and maintenance?
Yes. Insurance and maintenance are modeled as dedicated categories so you can compare long-term cost differences between vehicles.
Are EV charging costs included?
Yes, for EV scenarios in the calculator workflow. This comparison page summarizes benchmark ownership categories and links to the calculator for personalized inputs.