1981 Audi 80 vs. 1984 BMW 323
To start off, 1984 BMW 323 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Audi 80 would be higher. At 2,314 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Audi 80. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 323 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 BMW 323 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 1984 BMW 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1984 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 80. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 80 | 1984 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 80 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
