1981 Audi UR vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Audi UR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Audi UR would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Audi UR. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi UR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1981 Audi UR. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Audi UR is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Audi UR 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi UR. (285 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi UR. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1981 Audi UR has manual transmission. 1981 Audi UR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi UR | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | UR | 540 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
