1991 Audi 100 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1991 Audi 100 is newer by 10 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1991 Audi 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1991 Audi 100. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1991 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Audi 100 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
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, 1991 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, 1991 Audi 100 (264 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Audi 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Audi 100 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2461 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
