1976 Audi 100 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Audi 100 would be higher. At 2,142 cc (5 cylinders), 1976 Audi 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Audi 100. (109 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1976 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Audi 100, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Audi 100. (163 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Audi 100. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1976 Audi 100 has manual transmission. 1976 Audi 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Audi 100 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2142 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
