1996 Audi A4 vs. 1990 BMW 525
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 390 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 1990 BMW 525 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 1990 BMW 525. 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1990 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
