Audi TTS vs BMW 3 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 10 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Audi TTS: we're still completing length, width, height, wheelbase and kerb weight, plus 6 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$95,100RRP
- no option data for this car
$94,700RRP
- with the Audi TTS's standard kit: $94,700 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Audi TTS & BMW 3 Series
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Audi TTS starts from $95,100 before on-road costs, while the BMW 3 Series opens at $94,700. That makes the BMW 3 Series the more affordable entry point by $400.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $104,610 and $104,170 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 3 Series by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Audi TTS. We hold no ANCAP data for the BMW 3 Series. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Audi TTS
None open on our record
BMW 3 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006667 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may be able to enter the starter motor causing corrosion and result in the engine not starting.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2020
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- 6 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 3 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi TTS uses a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (TFSI) producing 200kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The Audi TTS has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 190kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi TTS is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.5 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Audi TTS and $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi TTS if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (49 vs 68). The Audi TTS and BMW 3 Series trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi TTS and BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi TTS by $400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
We hold no ANCAP data for Audi TTS and BMW 3 Series, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi TTS makes the most power at 200kW. The Audi TTS is quickest to 100km/h in 5.2s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
