1988 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Audi A8
To start off, 2010 Audi A8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Audi A8 (350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Audi A8 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Audi A8 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 A8 (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2010 Audi A8 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 520 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5192 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3073 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
