1989 Audi 90 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 1989 Audi 90 is newer by 8 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, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Audi 90. (158 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1989 Audi 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1989 Audi 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Audi 90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 528. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Audi 90 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Audi 90. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Audi 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Audi 90 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 90 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
