1995 Audi A8 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1995 Audi A8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,695 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Audi A8 (227 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1995 Audi A8.
Because 1995 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Audi A8 (315 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1995 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 1995 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Audi A8 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3695 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
