1980 Audi 80 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 1981 BMW 528 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Audi 80 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1980 Audi 80. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1980 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1980 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Audi 80, 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Audi 80. (104 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Audi 80 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 80 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
