1986 Audi 100 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1986 Audi 100 is newer by 5 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, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1986 Audi 100. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1986 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1986 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Audi 100, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Audi 100. (139 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Audi 100 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
