2004 Audi A4 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 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 A4 (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2004 Audi A4.
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 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, 2004 Audi A4 (225 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A4 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:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
