1999 Audi A4 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1999 Audi A4 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,671 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi A4 (262 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi A4 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Audi A4 (400 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi A4 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
