2004 Audi A3 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 Audi A3 is newer by 16 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, 2004 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2004 Audi A3.
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, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2004 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.5 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
