2003 Audi A8 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 would be higher. At 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 390 kg more than 2003 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series 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 2013 BMW 5 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Audi A8, 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
