1999 Audi A4 vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 1999 Audi A4 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1999 Audi A4. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1999 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 161 kg more than 1999 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 BMW M5 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 1980 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Audi A4. (173 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi A4 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
