1995 Audi A4 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 1995 Audi A4 is newer by 14 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 33 more horse power than 1995 Audi A4. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1995 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1995 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Audi A4, 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 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Audi A4. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Audi A4 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 212 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 | 1297 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
