1981 Audi 100 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Audi 100 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Audi 100. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 515 kg more than 1981 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Audi 100. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 100. (124 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 100. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 1981 Audi 100 has manual transmission. 1981 Audi 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 100 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
