1978 Audi 100 vs. 1988 BMW 530
To start off, 1988 BMW 530 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Audi 100 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 Audi 100. (70 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1978 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 383 kg more than 1978 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 530 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 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Audi 100. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Audi 100 | 1988 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1593 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2770 mm |
