1997 BMW 850 vs. 2012 Audi A4
To start off, 2012 Audi A4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2012 Audi A4. (211 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2012 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A4 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A4. (349 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A4. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2012 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 2012 Audi A4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2012 Audi A4 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 850 | A4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2809 mm |
