1981 BMW 528 vs. 2010 Audi A3
To start off, 2010 Audi A3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Audi A3 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 528. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Audi A3 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, 2010 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2010 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 528 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4293 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
