1995 Audi A6 vs. 1981 BMW 518
To start off, 1995 Audi A6 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Audi A6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Audi A6 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Audi A6 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Audi A6 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Audi A6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Audi A6 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, 1995 Audi A6 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Audi A6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Audi A6 | 1981 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A6 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
