1981 Audi 80 vs. 1993 BMW 856
To start off, 1993 BMW 856 is newer by 12 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 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1981 Audi 80. (136 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 675 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 1981 Audi 80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1993 BMW 856. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Audi 80 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 80. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 80 | 1993 BMW 856 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 80 | 856 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
