1999 Audi TT vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1999 Audi TT is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi TT (174 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi TT should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1999 Audi TT.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi TT, 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, 1999 Audi TT (230 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Audi TT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Audi TT has manual transmission. 1999 Audi TT will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi TT | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | TT | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
