1981 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Audi Q5
To start off, 2012 Audi Q5 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi Q5 (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi Q5 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520.
Because 2012 Audi Q5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi Q5 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, 2012 Audi Q5 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi Q5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2012 Audi Q5 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi Q5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2012 Audi Q5 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 520 | Q5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1654 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2807 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
