1996 Audi A4 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 18 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1996 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
