BMW 2 Series Convertible
UNFORTUNATELY, the drop-top BMW isn’t as good to drive as the A3 Cabriolet. It doesn’t exhibit scuttle shake like an old-school convertible, it’s just less composed than the Audi. Big bumps can knock the chassis off-line and there are noticeable vibrations fed through the steering column.
But the 2 Series’s diesel engine packs a bigger punch than the A3’s. Power and torque stand at 187bhp and 400Nm, which means the BMW should walk away from the Audi in a straight line, with a 0-62mph time of eight seconds and a top speed of 140mph.
Inside, the BMW is more cramped. Rear passengers will grumble about a lack of leg and headroom, and the low fabric roof makes it a struggle to get out. However, the 2 Series has slightly more storage space than the A3, and a boot capacity of 335 litres with the roof up, and 280 litres with it down – 15 and five litres larger than the A3 respectively.
THE Audi feels more rigid than the BMW, which means it’s more comfortable and composed on the road. The suspension has a more solid platform to work from, meaning the A3 copes with bad road surfaces better. There’s also less chassis flex, so the Audi handles better and turns in more keenly.
It’s powered by the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, which in the A3 delivers 148bhp and 340Nm of torque. It’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, and a top speed of 139mph.
While the drop-top version of the Mk2 A3 was based on a hatchback body, this version is related to the longer A3 saloon, which means there’s decent space inside, even in the back. The Audi’s roof is also slightly quicker than the BMW’s (taking 18 seconds to operate, in comparison to the 2 Series’ 20 seconds), and like the 2 Series’ it can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 30mph.