1981 Audi 80 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 17 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 2,144 cc (5 cylinders), 1981 Audi 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Audi 80 (136 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Audi 80 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Audi 80.
Because 1981 Audi 80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 80. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 80 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 80 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
