1990 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Audi A3
To start off, 2001 Audi A3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2001 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 202 kg more than 2001 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A3, 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, 2001 Audi A3 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2001 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2001 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 520 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
