1990 Audi 100 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1990 Audi 100 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1990 Audi 100. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1990 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1990 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Audi 100. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Audi 100 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
