1994 Audi A8 vs. 1981 BMW 745
To start off, 1994 Audi A8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Audi A8 (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 BMW 745. (252 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 745. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Audi A8 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 BMW 745. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 745. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Audi A8 (400 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1994 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745. 1994 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 745 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 745 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Audi A8 | 1981 BMW 745 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 745 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
